Parchment as Backing???

[arachnid]

Hi guys.

I don`t have easy access to rawhide BUT I do have quite easy access to parchment.
I understand it`s quite similar to rawhide- will it work as a bow backing?

[mikekeswick]

Yes but get the thickest stuff you can find or glue on a couple of thinner layers.

[arachnid]

Thanks....
Will Elmer`s wood glue hold up? That`s what I have... (I  might be able to get Titebond I...)

[kid bow]

Get tightbond

[arachnid]

Get tightbond

Is it really that different? Tightbond is kind of expensive....

[Parnell]

I'd find a way.

[PatM]

Parchment is a pretty broad term. What can you get exactly? Real parchment IS rawhide.

[arachnid]

Parchment is a pretty broad term. What can you get exactly? Real parchment IS rawhide.

I`m jewish and I have access to the parchment on which Sefer Torah is writen.
It`s cow skin proceced to remove the hair and the it`s thinned down. thats it basiclly.

Is it any good for backing?

[PatM]

 That's no different from regular rawhide apart from the thinning process. People tend to thin rawhide for bow backing as well.

[arachnid]

Great! 
Thanks Pat.

What about the glue? Is Elmer's that bad for rawhide?

[PatM]

Many people successfully use Elmer's or they used to before titebond came along.
 

[Knoll]

Ya don't want to use the cheap Elmer's glue that's typically used in elementary school for paper craft projects.
I used Elmer's wood glue for years 'n' years in my woodworking adventures.
Elmer's & Titebond are PVA adhesives with differing "additives" whose purpose is to distinguish themselves from a marketing standpoint. 
Strickly from strength standpoint, and imho, there's little/no difference.  Elmer's produces a clear-colored joint, which is good in lotsa woodworking projects ... not so important in bow-building.  Additives in Titebond do produce a more water-resistant joint, which is why I use for bow-building.  It is claimed that Titebond cures to near full strength more quickly than Elmer's.
For bow-building, I've always used Titebond.

[Pat B]

Any of the water based carpenters glues will work; Elmers or TB.

[arachnid]

Well I use only Elmer's wood glue (the yellow stuff... not so cheap ) for my bow building and I never had problems with it.Titbond came to stores around here only reacenly and it's expensive for a small amount of glue.If it's only better becaus it's water-proof - I'll go with Elmer's.

[Pat B]

When adding backings water proof isn't necessary. After you seal the bow, moisture shouldn't be an issue.