Birch bark back?

[SMeeres3030]

Hi guys I have an Osage I am just finishing up 66" non and 54#@28". I want to put birch Barack on back for some nice camadlouge. I have never used birch Barclay so any advise would be much appriciated! Glues? Where on back to splice? Where not to? Method of clamping for glue up? Thanks guys

[Pat B]

Do it just like a snake skin or rawhide with TB glue. Birch bark is pretty bright for a camo isn't it? It will make for a nice looking bow, though.

[upstatenybowyer]

Like Pat said, TB works fine. For a seamless look I cut the ends of each strip in a spot where there is only white. In other words I avoid cutting through one of the dark striped pores on the bark. I also do one section at a time.

[SMeeres3030]

Ok thanks guys so don't do all the strips at ounce? Should I let them dry one at a time as well? And where in the back should I be splicing them? Because I'll problem have 3 trips.

[loon]

it'd be great to have a bunch of links with info on birch bark for bow backing, I'd love to use it one day

[mikekeswick]

Yes you can do it all at once. I prefer hide glue. You can then apply them like veneers. Loon - it is pretty easy, a computer isn't going to help you much! Just try.

[Marc St Louis]

Been quite a few years since I have done one but I usually use bark from a tree large enough that it will do one limb from handle to tip, the bark can be peeled down to a very thin strip.  As to glue, practically anything will work but TB3 works well. 

[BowEd]

Yes a few of us have tried epoxy with mixed results.The epoxy needs to be reduced very thin to avoid any cracks appearing later on the back later from flexing.Tite Bond 3 worked the best for me in the end.I can see how hide glue would work good though too.Doing one limb then the other all within an hour I'd say.

[SMeeres3030]

Ok thanks guys I'll keep u posted. I had some bark drying for awhile and it has curled on me a bit? Any tricks to get that out? Heat? Steam?

[BowEd]

Just a soaking in some warm water is all I do.

[Badly Bent]

As already said, soak in water, glue with titebond and I wrap with an ace bandage just long enough for the glue to start setting (maybe 1 hour).
Also you can dye or stain the back after it all drys for a darker look and better camo if desired. Heres a pic of one I recently finished with dye, birch bark on osage.

[Aaron H]

Looks like a nice bow Greg