applying rawhide to highly reflexed bow

[sadiejane]

so i'm making this little bow for a pal
its osage and a rather funky old piece of wood with lots of checks and thin thin thin rings
wanting to add a rawhide backing to hopefully insure its longevity...
but this stave is pretty highly reflexed.
should i get a string on it and shoot it some before adding rawhide(crossing my fingers she dont blow)
as im concerned adding rawhide now could pull it off as it bends the other way....
or will the rawhide take the tension?
appreciate yr insight

[Pappy]

It won't pull off,it will take the stretch.I still sometimes get them strung and at least a short draw before putting rawhide on a questionable stave,just cause I don't want to wast time and material,rawhide holds stuff together pretty good but it's not a miracle cure if the stave has a real bad problem.
   Pappy

[sadiejane]

thanks pappy-
yup i was at least gonna get a long string on it today and work it some.
the stave aint the worst ive completed a bow from but maybe the second worst... 
have only rawhide backed one other bow which was similar in character to this piece
just didnt know how much stretch it could take
appreciate your advice!

[Pat B]

Sadie, I have rawhide backed bows with 5" to 6" of backset with no problems.  I generally prefer less backset because of the stresses on the stave just trying to get it braced. Take it slow and easy and do lots of exercising. 

[sadiejane]

thanks pat-good advice!
yeah, me thinks with a string and some exercise, this bow will straighten itself out some.
it has a good 4" of backset right now but only bent at floor tiller so far.
ok i'm gonna start working her this afternoon, then apply the rawhide tomorrow.
thanks fellas!!

[Pat B]

4" isn't too bad. You should be able to end up with a little reflex .