Newb question on backing

[Catkinson]

Built a couple red oak bows now and have enjoyed the process. Working on a hickory board bow  now. I'm almost done with final tillering and was wondering if I can back it now or is it too late? Basically I’m not liking the string follow and set that it has taken. Thanks for the help in advance.

[Will B]

You might consider building a reflex form and heat treating the belly on your form. It will add some weight and reduce/eliminate string follow. Hickory loves heat treatment.

[Pat B]

Generally I would plan a backed bow from the get go. You can add a backing, drawing the bow into 3" to 4" of reflex at glue up. Hickory, maple, elm or bamboo can be used for the backing. OR, you could start a new bow using the knowledge you've gotten up til now and give this first bow to a someone else, a kid maybe. OR, what Will said.

[Catkinson]

Great info fellows thank you !
Learning as I go .

[Woody roberts]

As has been said Hickory loves heat treating. It has to be done before glueing on a backing. Unless I just wanted a backed bow I would and do just clamp both ends to a flat surface with a block of wood under the handle. This will give you a slight reflex about half of which will pull out.
With a good toast color heat treat you could end up with a straight bow after shooting it in.

I’ve had good luck with this method. Your mileage may vary.

P.s. the tiller will need to be checked and more than likely a little work after heat treating.

[Catkinson]

Thank you Woody !

[bownarra]

You can run into problems trying to heat treat an already tillered bow. It ain't all a bed of roses
No point backing it once it is already done. You would add a bunch of draw weight and have to start tillering again.