Raw hemp backing???

[sound maker]

 I got some raw hemp and want to know how it does for backing. I was thinking of using it for a board bow that I'm making but want to be sure before I put it on.

[rossfactor]

Probably could use it like a combed flax backing, a la Tim Baker.  Hemp is strong, and doesn't stretch much.

Gabe

[sound maker]

So should I size the back and then lay the hemp flat down evenly or twist it and then put it down like Baker does with the flax?? and should I just get put alot of glue down first then cover them with glue or just soak it in glue then put it down?? kind of don't want to waste glue here.

p.s. I got this instead of that there flax because the place I got them was backordered on the flax and hemp was there.

[rossfactor]

I've never done a combed backing.  I've backed a bow with strands of hemp twine, by sizing the back and laying them down vertically and covering with glue.

My thoughts (again un-tested) are that  the same technique could be used for raw hemp, but you'd have to 'comb' the fibers while there are wet with glue to get even thickness, and distribution.  You may also have some trouble getting them to lay flat.  I think literally a coarse toothed comb would work well for this.  I'm sure a search would turn up some more info.

Gabe

[bubby]

i did a hemp twine backing oncestreched the twine out on a board, stapled the end's down and sized it with glue, when it dryed it went on in one piece, Bub

[Pat B]

I would put it down just like sinew. Size the back, dip the hemp in the glue and squeegee off the excess and lay it down, overlapping the course before.