Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: gobbler716 on September 04, 2012, 01:03:10 pm

Title: Backing on an oak board bow?
Post by: gobbler716 on September 04, 2012, 01:03:10 pm

I have a lot of old t-shirts lying around and am about to attempt my first board bow from 1x2x6.  Would this cotton suffice to make a good backing or a bad backing material. 100% cotton.  Best glue to use?  I plan to cover it with wood stain.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. :laugh:

Title: Re: Backing on an oak board bow?
Post by: turtle on September 04, 2012, 02:10:54 pm

I saw a bow in one of the bowyers bibles backed with a t shirt. I would probably use elmers or titebond glue if i were to try it.

Title: Re: Backing on an oak board bow?
Post by: driftingrz on September 04, 2012, 02:30:52 pm

I thought cotton stretched too much to be a viable backing? I know silk shirts have been mentioned though

Title: Re: Backing on an oak board bow?
Post by: k-hat on September 04, 2012, 02:37:05 pm

Use silk or linen... cotton's pretty much worthless if you're trying to hold it together.  I just bought a pair of linen pants from the local thrift for under $2, will cover 4 or 5 bows :)

Title: Re: Backing on an oak board bow?
Post by: k-hat on September 04, 2012, 02:38:00 pm

For glue use titebond 2 or 3.  Forgot to add that.

Title: Re: Backing on an oak board bow?
Post by: gobbler716 on September 04, 2012, 05:18:01 pm

Thanks for the advice, I can see where the cotton would stretch too much....

Title: Re: Backing on an oak board bow?
Post by: tattoo dave on September 04, 2012, 10:58:46 pm

What everybody else said, but go with titebond 3. It's waterproof, and 2 is not.

Tattoo Dave