Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: streamflyer on August 05, 2014, 06:36:01 pm

Title: Bow backing
Post by: streamflyer on August 05, 2014, 06:36:01 pm
What is the process of backing a stave with another wood. say hickory backed osage or some other belly wood. how do you prepare each piece given that they started out as split staves not cut boards? Is this when the block planes come out? if so how long of a block plane is necessary to end on?
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: bushboy on August 05, 2014, 06:50:51 pm
If you have acess to a table saw with a gate it will make things a lot easier.
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: PatM on August 05, 2014, 06:56:08 pm
I just use a  farriers rasp and a scraper.
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: Fred Arnold on August 05, 2014, 06:58:05 pm
I think I would opt for rawhide vs wood unless the stave is thin and needs more wood to make weight. It's much easier to apply and works well in most cases.
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: RBLusthaus on August 05, 2014, 07:40:40 pm
If you have acess to a table saw with a gate it will make things a lot easier.

Pray tell, what is a gate and how is one used ala the table saw?  I have never heard the term associated with the table saw and my inquiring mind wants  to know. 
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: Pat B on August 05, 2014, 08:12:42 pm
I only back board staves with hard backings. I back tree staves with rawhide, sinew or other soft backings, rawhide primarily for insurance.  To back a tree stave with a hard backing you first have to decrown the stave making a flat back. Most backing strips are already flat except bamboo and you have to flatten that with a plane or belt sander.
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: J05H on August 05, 2014, 08:36:37 pm
If you have acess to a table saw with a gate it will make things a lot easier.

Pray tell, what is a gate and how is one used ala the table saw?  I have never heard the term associated with the table saw and my inquiring mind wants  to know.

I'm pretty sure he's referring to a fence. If not, then I'd like to know too.
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: streamflyer on August 06, 2014, 02:56:18 am
gotcha. thanks guys. I was also thinking about attempting a board bow at some point but thought i might explore other options as well to get contrast.
Title: Re: Bow backing
Post by: bushboy on August 06, 2014, 07:52:22 am
Yes , meant fence