Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: keef on June 18, 2011, 03:03:47 pm
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Hi folks
A bit of advice please.....
I'm currently finishing a laburnum bow, but have violated a good few growth rings on the sapwood back. This was almost inevitable, as the growth rings were so small and even light sanding seemed to play havock wiith them! I have burnished the back heavily, but still have nagging doubts in my mind about the strength under tension.
I have some very good quality Irish linen fabric, and think that this will be a good safety precaution.
My problem is that the back is fairly bumpy and undulating, and I'm concerned that the fabric will not adhere to the wood around these areas.....
Any thoughts???
Cheers
Keith
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I size my back (with titebond 3) just like when doing a sinew backing and get everything good and glue soaked before I apply the backing. It should be fine if you make sure to get everything soaked in glue and run your hands over it to squeeze excess glue out/make sure it is sticking to the bumpy surface.
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I use Black Linen for a backing on the first bow I built 3 years ago, This bow is a red oak board bow. The bow had a lot of run off in it.
Still shooting it every weekend, pulls 55 @ 28. 68'' ntn , But like TommanyKnots said,,, make sure you size the back of the bow.
Also I came back over the top of the Linen with a thin layer of glue. Just make sure you give the glue plenty of time to cure.
Linen and TB III in my opinion makes a very durable backing. Good luck and put up some pics when you are done.
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Just a side note, sometimes the linen fabric might have creases in it from folding and shipping.
If it does, be sure to borrow your wife's iron ::) , and iron out the creases.
If not they will tend to show up once the glue cures.
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Oh, and one thing is important, which is to find out if your linen stretches alot in one direction or not. If you got a good couple square yards, stretch in length wise, then width wise, and whichever way stretches the least, use that as the length wise for the bow.
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DON'T FORGET to wash the fabric,,,I don't know whats on that new stuff but it doesn't like glue JEFFW
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That "stuff" on the linen that doesnt like glue is called scotchguard.
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Thank you guys for taking the trouble to reply....Much appreciated
Will post up the bow when done
Cheers
Keith