Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TreyNC on January 10, 2009, 03:17:45 pm

Title: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: TreyNC on January 10, 2009, 03:17:45 pm

On another thread about rawhide backing I saw where Hillbilly said "just dampen the hide and put it on", I have always soaked my rawhide completly for a couple of days before gluing on. I don't remember why I started doing it this way, but it works and didn't want to fix something not broken ya know. Who dampens it and who thoroughly soaks it before applying? Any pros and cons? I didn't want to jack the other thread I saw, so what do ya say?

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: Pat B on January 10, 2009, 04:23:40 pm

I soak rawhide thoroughly too but can do that in a matter of 15 minutes. After it is pliable I remove any excess water add the glue to the rawhide and bow back and lay them up. If you keep it in water for too long there is a chance for it to rot or spoil. Just enough to get it pliable is all it takes.    Pat

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: TreyNC on January 10, 2009, 04:49:08 pm

I usually change the water several times a day and sometimes keep it in the fridge.

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: Hillbilly on January 10, 2009, 10:34:11 pm

Trey, my version of "dampen" would be to soak it in warm water for a half-hour or so. You don't want it slimy wet, just pliable.

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: El Destructo on January 10, 2009, 10:52:23 pm

What Pat and Hillbilly said ...soak it long enough to get it pliable.....and get it out of there...if it gets slimy it wont hold...if it sits too long it will spoil

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: lowell on January 11, 2009, 12:04:09 am

Seems 15-20 minutes works for me.

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: Lost Arra on January 12, 2009, 12:58:38 pm

Don't try to speed up the soaking process by using hot water.
It cooks the rawhide.
Don't ask me how I know this :o

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: Gordon on January 12, 2009, 02:08:22 pm

15-30 minutes in warm (not hot) water will generally do the trick.

Title: Re: How wet for rawhide backing?
Post by: Pappy on January 13, 2009, 06:11:42 am

What most have said above,15/20 min.will do it,dry if off and glue it on. :)
   Pappy