Author Topic: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?  (Read 2572 times)

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Offline EnW

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Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« on: January 17, 2011, 11:59:12 pm »
My uncle started this bow and gave it to me to finish.  I believe it is mulberry...I'd have to ask him to be certain.  My question is whether or not a rawhide backing would suffice or should I use sinew?  Thanks for the advice.


Offline rileyconcrete

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2011, 12:33:13 am »
I am no expert, but looks like the knots have been worked around right , I would just leave it unbacked.  Unless it is really short.  I have a bow with more knots than that, and it is unbacked.

Tell
Tell Riley

Offline Pat B

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2011, 01:06:45 am »
If the back ring is unviolated there is no need for a backing. Those knots are being protected by the island from the ring above it. Later I would work that excess wood off at least the limb surface around the knots. Will you post a few more pics. One of the side profile and one with the back profile. With your help we can help you make a bow from that piece of wood. There are a lot of guys here that would love to have that chance.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Sidewinder

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2011, 02:25:46 am »
That one certainly has possiblities.
"You know a tree by the fruit it bears"   God

Offline Gordon

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2011, 02:33:08 am »
It will be challenging to get rawhide to adhere tightly over those knots.
Gordon

Offline bootboy

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2011, 12:15:39 pm »
From what I have seen It looks like you have done everything correctly.
knapp 'um if you got 'um

Offline Keenan

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2011, 12:18:40 pm »
 I agree, No backing, it will not stay down around the knots and it looks like a very cleanly prepared back. just tiller slow and carefull

Offline Del the cat

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2011, 02:39:38 pm »
The way I see it, that's going to be a character bow for looking at and fun, not major serious work/performance, so you don't want to cover up that beautiful wood.
If you want a workhorse, choose another stave.
I'm sure I could find it it a loving home O:)
Del
Health warning, these posts may contain traces of nut.

Offline EnW

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2011, 02:58:20 am »
Thanks to all for the replies.  I talked to my uncle tonight and confirmed the bow is red mulberry.  I will take a few more pics in the next day or two and post them up for those who were interested.

Offline crooketarrow

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2011, 01:36:04 pm »
     Those knots are to nice looking to cover up. Looks likes rings were left built up around them.. I don't even to that anymore. If it's tillered right I think you'll be find.
DEAD IS DEAD NO MATTER HOW FAST YOUR ARROW GETS THERE
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Offline bcbull

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2011, 02:17:29 pm »
i agree no backing needed  i would get a gooseneck scraper just remove a lil more sap around the knots  the ,;whitesh stUff; and start tillering slow easey make sure you excersice it100 OR SO PULLS  between scarpes being carferl not to ever go past ur marks  you should be fine brock

Offline tattoo dave

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Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2011, 08:12:24 pm »
Well I have no idea, just wanted to say thats lookin like a sweet bow. Can't wait to see it finished! :)
Rockford, MI