Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Christian Soldier on February 05, 2013, 06:27:11 pm

Title: Canvas Backing
Post by: Christian Soldier on February 05, 2013, 06:27:11 pm
I recently came upon a good supply of heavy duty canvas. Can it be used on tension weak woods (like sassafras) as a suitable backing?
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: DarkSoul on February 05, 2013, 07:05:26 pm
Short answer: yes :)
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: RBLusthaus on February 05, 2013, 07:07:10 pm
How much canvas do you have?  Say, enough to skin a Teepee with?

Russ
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: Christian Soldier on February 06, 2013, 10:36:16 am
Not a real 20 person Teepee but maybe a 2 man.  :)

A good bit to say the least. Would it be better to apply with hide glue or TBIII?
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: briarjumper12 on February 06, 2013, 10:44:07 am
I figured canvas would be too thick. Maybe someone who's used it can expound. I've at every fabric store within 80 miles of my house and can find no silk or linen. I got a red oak board bow in the process that has been backed with brown paper that I salvaged from a shipping box that my Albion Crecy came in. It was long enough to not have to splice.
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: tgtmatt on February 06, 2013, 11:07:30 am
Briar go to a good will or consignment store. They usually have tons of women's dresses made of silk. I got myself a dress from there.
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: Pat B on February 06, 2013, 12:19:57 pm
Canvas will work as a backing but will reduce the performance of your bow because of the excess physical weight. Canvas is cotton and will soak up lots of glue when you apply it to the bow. With thinner, stronger materials like linen or silk they won't use as much glue to adhere them to the bow and their physical weight is less than canvas so the overall physical weight will be lower.
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: Christian Soldier on February 06, 2013, 02:29:02 pm
how much will performance decrease with canvas? like 3fps or 15fps?

Also, any pics or links to canvas backed bows woul be very helpfull.  :)
Title: Re: Canvas Backing
Post by: Pat B on February 06, 2013, 04:28:17 pm
I have no idea how much. I wouldn't use canvas in the first place. Lots of other, better options.
Do an experiment with different backings and let us know the results. With enough research and some pics you could write an article for Primitive Archer Magazine.