Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: EnW on January 17, 2011, 11:59:12 pm

Title: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: EnW 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.

(http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/736/1002151.jpg)(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5074/1002150g.jpg)(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/428/1002146o.jpg)(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9162/1002154c.jpg)

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: rileyconcrete 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

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: Pat B 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.

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: Sidewinder on January 18, 2011, 02:25:46 am

That one certainly has possiblities.

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: Gordon on January 18, 2011, 02:33:08 am

It will be challenging to get rawhide to adhere tightly over those knots.

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: bootboy on January 18, 2011, 12:15:39 pm

From what I have seen It looks like you have done everything correctly.

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: Keenan 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

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: Del the cat 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

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: EnW 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.

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: crooketarrow 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.

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: bcbull 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

Title: Re: Does this bow need sinew backing or maybe rawhide?
Post by: tattoo dave 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! :)