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Author Topic: Board bow backing question  (Read 3554 times)

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Offline justsomedude

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Board bow backing question
« on: January 27, 2017, 08:53:07 pm »
I am building my first bow. Home Depot Red Oak 1x2. It had pretty good grain. It is 71" end to end and I glued on a 10" block for riser which will be tapered to a 5" grip area. I plan to cut a shelf. 40#@28" is my target draw weight. Tips are 1/2" wide and 3/8" thick (not shaped yet).

I am going to back the bow with some camo cohesive tape/Titebond III. I have..it's a nice pattern that should look pretty slick (better than drywall fiberglass :).

QUESTION: Is it necessary to run the backing the full length (through the riser) or can I just run it to the fades of the riser from each end? I just want to be free to shape the grip without making a mess of the backing. I am guessing that the doubled up riser shouldn't need backing.
« Last Edit: January 27, 2017, 09:20:09 pm by justsomedude »
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Offline Knoll

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2017, 10:04:11 pm »
Going to wrap grip with something ... leather, hemp twine, ets,etc? If so, making a mess of the backing in grip area is no biggy as it'll be covered by wrap. Also, stopping backing before grip area may not be aesthetically pleasing ... particularly if backing is not a natural material.   ;)
Goodluck!
« Last Edit: January 27, 2017, 10:10:07 pm by Knoll »
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Offline justsomedude

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2017, 11:01:18 pm »
That's a good point. I guess I can clean it up around the shelf. Just didn't want to paint myself into a corner....

Should I  try to do some shaping before I back it?
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Offline PatM

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2017, 11:39:33 pm »
Shaping a grip should not affect your backing.  How are you worried about it?
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Offline justsomedude

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2017, 11:44:24 pm »
If I wanted to round/shape the front more after the backing is already on...the backing would be sanded off the grip then anyway. If I shape it out first, then I don't have the option of deciding which limb is the top after I get more into tillering.

I know all of this will all be more obvious after I do a few more
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Offline bow101

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2017, 11:54:47 pm »
I have done it both ways, full length or up to the fades,  problem using linen its does not clean up that great on the edges like silk or other backings.  Titebond III works great.  I would first apply a thin coating as a sizing, the backing seems to adhere better.  Silk is out for me.
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Offline RyanY

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2017, 12:13:38 am »
If the grain is good then don't back it.  ::)
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Offline justsomedude

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2017, 02:07:27 am »
But I'm a chicken!
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Offline bow101

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2017, 01:29:11 pm »
Quote from: Ryan Yoon (ryoon4690) on January 28, 2017, 12:13:38 am
If the grain is good then don't back it.  ::)

Good point I had a few break with backing and it was very subtle.   Others have broke VIOLENTLY without backing.  Lucky I still have a face, and I have lots of experience breaking bows... ;)
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Offline bubby

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2017, 03:47:49 pm »
Bows break, backed or not, I've had backed bows explode violently and nonbacked just fold over, if it's gonna break it breaks
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Offline bow101

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2017, 10:59:53 pm »
I never had a backed bow explode violently.  Maybe you broke more than me.. ;D
« Last Edit: January 28, 2017, 11:05:25 pm by bow101 »
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Offline justsomedude

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #11 on: January 28, 2017, 11:28:13 pm »
I went ahead and backed it to get the experience of doing it.
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Offline justsomedude

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2017, 01:44:27 pm »
I was able to sand the edges of the fabric into the wood as long as there was plenty of titebond in it.
I carved out the grip to fit my hand so I won't likely wrap it.
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Offline Springbuck

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2017, 02:35:14 pm »
That's pretty cool.

What is that camo tape made.of?
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Offline DC

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Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2017, 02:37:25 pm »
That works just fine!
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