Canvas as a backing

[Hickoryswitch]

I finished a ash bow a while back and backed it with canvas. To bad it broke today! The canvas didn't seem to help with the strain but it did keep it from blowing up in my face. The bow had about 100 shots through it and was getting ready to go to it's new owner next week. I'm sure glad it broke on me instead.

[El Destructo]

Canvas...especially Canvas that has a Hard Finish put on it...like Urethane or Varnishes....will get hard and brittle....and will crack just like the Wood when a Limb goes....I try not to back....but if I do....it is either a top grade of Silk....or Real Linen...no Natural Fabric is stronger than Linen

[Pat B]

I have had backed bows break. They won't prevent breaking just help prevent breaking.   The osage bow I posted last week that broke into 3 pieces was rawhide backed. It had been shot a few hundred times. After it broke I did an autopsy and found it broke at a small knot on the back.    Oh well, I'll just make another one!      Pat

[El Destructo]

Now thats the Right Attitude!!! Many People think that a Backing will Stop a Bow from Failing....if there is a major flaw in that Back....the Backing....will help...but wont stop an Inevitable Failure....if there is grain run-off on a Board Bow....or if you have a splinter or two...a Backing will help.....but other than Sinew.....or the "F" Word...I don't know of a Backing that will prevent a Failure due to knots or any weak spots.......

[Hickoryswitch]

This one was a de-crowned ash bow. Which I've not had any problems with until now, but where i transitioned into a knot it broke don't know if it was a deep tool mark or what.  I had it tillered without the backing and shot it some with no problems. I figured the back was just for insurance since i was getting rid of this one.

[Justin Snyder]

I would go with silk or linen. Canvas weighs a lot and will deteriorate like was mentioned.  Justin