fiberglass backing ???

[smoky#1]

how many layers of fiberglass cloth or tape would be advised?

[willie]

I was wondering how many layers of fiberglass cloth, or tape to put on the back of a bow? or am i wasting my time with this method of fiberglass backing?

unless you put fiberglass on the belly also, the strain will be quite a bit unbalanced, so yes, It might be a waste of time unless you have an extraordinary reason to do otherwise.

[turtle]

I left you a message in the bows section On how to remove the topic there.

As far as your qustion goes I have seen pictures of bows with fiberglass tape used on the back but I have no experience with it.

[smoky#1]

mostly looking to make it more durable, also have some honey locust that seems a little on the brittle/splintery side.

[smoky#1]

thank you turtle

[turtle]

Your welcome.

I remember sam harpers site poorfolkbows has info on fiberglass tape.

[smoky#1]

I'll check that out,  Its not that i like Fiberglass that well, its what i have available...Any other backing suggestions are welcome.

[willie]

clayton

if you want durability, you might ask (in the bow section), what design considerations would be appropriate for honey locust.
I think that I have seen a few bows made from it posted here. This assumes that you are in the planning stage.

Or is there a bow that needs to be fixed up some?

[turtle]

Rawhide, clothe in cotton, silk, linen, canvas, denim, and even heavy paper have all been used. Any natural backing materials can be discussed in bows section.

[smoky#1]

Willie i am at the planning stage. have multiple staves.
turtle, thank you for suggestions, i will start a topic about natural backings sometime in the next few days.

[MulchMaker]

Bet hickory backing would solve your problem. It supposed to be pretty indestructible and all natural.

[tattoo dave]

If you end up using glass, one layer of glass cloth on the back will work.

Tattoo Dave

[jeffp51]

my first bow had fiberglass wallboard/sheetrock tape on the back.  It saved the bow from blowing up in my face.  being a beginner, I didn't recognize what a serious grain run out looked like.  after about 100 shots I noticed my tiller was way off--because the grain had split and gave way under the fiberglass.  It isn't primitive, and goes against the philosophy of this site, but it works well, I think. I put 3-4 layers on the back with titebond II or III, but that could be overkill. I was just following some Youtube videos I had seen. Or you can go with one of the natural solutions suggested above.

[tattoo dave]

Silk is a great backing as well. The more bows you make the less you'll have to worry about it blowing up in your face. It happens to all of us though from time to time. Keep at it.

Tattoo Dave

[Pat B]

An unblemished back from under the bark of a summer harvested tree or a unbroken heartwood ring makes as durable of a back as you need for a bow. If the back is violated there are way better options than fiberglass in any form. Woods like hickory, hard maple or elm, rawhide, sinew, silk, linen, brown grocery bag paper and others.