Salvageable hickory bow?

[loon]

The grain of the back of this bow is just....







Got it from ringing rocks archery, the return period of 2 weeks has long since passed (it's been several months).

And this 62".. no,  64" hickory bow is supposed to be 70-75#@28.5". If it was 30 to 40#, I would be less worried. I have a 71" bow from them that's around 35#@28" that has similar violations but has held up okay... but it's 35#.

Would 2 layers of grocery paper bags applied with hide glue possibly be enough to keep this thing from exploding if drawn to 28.5"?

Maybe I should just ask them to send me another one if it explodes without backing it or anything. And wear safety glasses...

[Knotty]

I'm guessing that at that weight.. It's most likely to raise up splinters  on those run-offs and end up delaminating on you..
About the backing, you'll have to wait for someone to answer as I've never backed a bow with paper.
I'm pretty sure that rawhide would do the job though.

Good luck!

[loon]

Thanks!

[PatM]

You say it's supposed  to be that weight. Was this a finished bow?

[loon]

You say it's supposed  to be that weight. Was this a finished bow?

I ordered it as 70-75#@28" and that's what the marking on the side says, it is thick and a beast to string, especially as a straight bow (I have strung it and drawn it a few inches but don't dare take it to full draw)
It's a "you finish" bow. It's been unfinished all along. Planning to use tru-oil.

hm... would 2 layers of paper soaked in hide glue work as well as rawhide?

[sleek]

Back it with hi kory or bamboo. Thats unacceptable as for quality.

[loon]

Maybe I could back it with bamboo and end up with a 80-90lbs bow ahahah. All the bamboo I have is meant for flooring or something though, but it could work...
Amazing that they picked such a bad stave for such a heavy bow.. I kind of doubt that they even actually tiller them to full draw as well. It came with no set but stringing it gave it set.
I suppose you get what you pay for...

[bradsmith2010]

no paper won't do it,,
I am not sure anything would at the weight you are talking bout,,
it just has alot of run off, not really bow wood,,,,
i am all for fixing anything,, but you would have a better chance of success with a board from home depot,,

[Buckeye Guy]

Hickory is tough as nails as they say and paper backing will hold a lot but at the kind of weight  your talking even I have my doubts on this one.
You are also good to ? If this bow has been tillered out, I do not think so
best git to tillering it down to somthing less in poundage depending on what you decide to back it with 50 may be more realistic
have fun

[Dakota Kid]

If that was sold as a "you-finish self bow", I would contact the supplier (include a pic) and see what they have to say about that grain. I can't imagine any reputable supplier would: 1) expect that "stave" to survive as a 70#(or even 40#) self bow of any style 2) consider that board fit for bow making.

I would also mention the comments you received about that board from this forum's members. Make sure you let him know you can't wait to show us all the quality replacement when it arrives. Trying to use a board like that could result in an injury or two. Telling someone to go ahead and finish that "bow", is pretty much gross negligence and bad business period. 

[Traxx]

Unfortunately, thats the way these fly by night internet businesses work these days.By the time,buyers figure them out and word gets around,they have made a profit and move on,to the next scam.

[Dakota Kid]

Indeed.

Money ruins everything once again.

[paulsemp]

Hate to tell you but that's firewood. Regardless of what the maker says when that thing pulls apart it will do in a spectacular fashion and truly has a chance of hurting you or someone else. All wood bows can break but that thing violates multiple rules. I would consider it a lesson learned and move on

[crooketarrow]

 KNOTTY not the bows weight caused it it was the grain running off the edge. I've made a couple hickory bows a 87,89 and 92 pounder. Quite few in the 70# range.

 HICKORYS MY FAVORET WHITE WOOD. I hav'nt backed a bow in 15 years never used paper before.

  Throw it in the Conner one day make a kid a bow.

[Knotty]

I said at that weight with those run offs it obviously will delaminate.

I didn't only say at that weight. I know Hickory can withstand huge amounts of tension stress..

👍