which type of silk for backing?

[stuckinthemud]

Hi All,

does anyone use silk backing?  I went to a silk supplier and they sold satin silk, Indian and Chinese silk; does it matter which type?  There is a big price difference...........

[Pat B]

Cheap silk neck tie from Good Will! 

[George Tsoukalas]

I have. With 2 duaghters and a wife, I was able to use old silk dresses. I wrapped the seams with
thread set in glue.
http://traditionalarchery101.com/silk.html
Jawge

[Grandpa Bill]

Silk ties from local thrift store.  Stretch them when you are putting them on

[Sparky Buckwheat]

I use silk noil (rough silk fabric).  If you get undyed noil and use epoxy, it dries almost clear (see through).  I always stretch it with a rough jig I made with a 2x6 and a ratcheting trailer tie down.  I stretch it before glue up and apply it under tension (for flatbows only so far).  I have a theory that if it is applied under tension, it may help support the back of the bow. Based on mention in the Bowyers Bible 1 of experiments done by Hickman with silk before WW2 and materials studies that suggest that silk/epoxy composites form a matrix similar to f****glass. 

Just my 1/2 cent.
SB