Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Eagle Boyer on March 19, 2012, 10:03:26 pm

Title: grain on backed bows
Post by: Eagle Boyer on March 19, 2012, 10:03:26 pm

for a bow backed with boo, hickory, or something how important is having straight grain for the belly and/or core?  And how do knots affect the belly and core?

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: tattoo dave on March 19, 2012, 10:09:10 pm

Welcome to PA Eagle!! Well, from my experience, when backing with boo or hickory, or something of that sort, the grain can be less than perfect. I just try to steer clear of knots all together, way past my experience level ;). I'm sure somebody will chime in with more experience.

Tattoo Dave

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: Sempertiger on March 19, 2012, 10:21:58 pm

I don't want to hijack this thread, but would like to expand on the OP's question by bringing up a specific wood.

EB, If you want, I am more than willing to delete this and start a new thread.

IPE isn't available locally, but I can order it. Is the grain typically straight enough to make a boo backed bow without worying about ordering enough boards to get a single good one?

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: DarkSoul on March 20, 2012, 08:33:21 am

A belly or core wood can be less than perfect, grain wise. You still need to avoid knots at all times. Some slight grain run off is not a big deal, but the grain needs to be at least "reasonably straight". Don't expect a backing will hold everything and anything together...

Semper, don't order wood. We bowyers are way too picky: we must choose our own wood, without being depending on what others choose for us.

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: Eagle Boyer on March 20, 2012, 01:03:04 pm

the reason I ask is because I have a yew stave with a couple of knots and no suitable sapwood and no area (with my skill level) that I can use for a back.  so what I kinda mean is can I use bamboo replace the sapwood?  and then just work around the knots as I would normally?

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on March 20, 2012, 01:23:32 pm

Put rawhide over it.

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: Eagle Boyer on March 20, 2012, 02:13:33 pm

so then is it ok to put rawhide over the knots?

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: DarkSoul on March 20, 2012, 02:18:55 pm

Yes, it is! It'll follow the undulations on the back very nicely.

Heck, you could even chase a heartwood ring :) Sapwood is better for a yew selfbow, but even the heartwood will make a good back for a yew bow.

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on March 20, 2012, 02:21:28 pm

Rawhide may not be hyper primitive, but it sure holds any and all problems down. Its great stuff on backs that are less than nice. I like Titebond III for rawhide. Be sure the knots are all sanded and rounded down nicely prior to glue up.

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: Eagle Boyer on March 20, 2012, 03:11:16 pm

any ideas where I could get bow worthy rawhide from?

Title: Re: grain on backed bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on March 20, 2012, 03:18:50 pm

Any archery supplier can help there. Try posting an ad in the trading post section.