Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: furdressing1 on April 05, 2011, 05:57:10 pm
-
What is the best time to back a bow? After tillering is complete, after it is roughed to shape and tillering has not started, halfway through? I want to use rawhide as I don't have any sinew. Does the type of backing matter as to when it is applied?
Thanks
Dale
-
The honest reply is: before it breaks.
I tend to back the bow after it's been largely tillered, but others back before they even start tillering and their bows seem to come out fine.
-
"Does the type of backing matter as to when it is applied?"
Yes, it does.
Most of the time, somewhere early in the tillering process is a good time. A wooden backing often needs to be applied earlier, as the backing will seriously effect tiller and increase drawweight. A rawhide backing is often applied at or right after floor tillering.
A light backing that is mainly for looks (snakeskin, silk, feather, bark...) is usually applied at the very end, when tillering is finished.
-
Make sure you do any heat-treating before backing.
-
I very seldom back bows anymore. It depended on the backing. But I'd get mine to floor tiller if I was putting on wood,boo, or sinew. Some other backings that did'nt afect the tiller and could wait. I'D wait untill I stained or varinish the bow put on then finish over the backing.
ZEN is right it your going to use any heat do it before you add the backing.
-
When I do a backing it is before I string the stave with the short string. Jawge
-
Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help.
Dale