Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Catnapper on December 16, 2011, 01:28:52 pm

Title: Yucca bow backing?
Post by: Catnapper on December 16, 2011, 01:28:52 pm
Just curious if anyone has ever tried backing a bow with yucca fibers......i read the post in primitive skills section that said guys use it for bowstring and it is unaffected by weather and super strong. I was thinking about making a yucca backed juniper! think it would work?
Title: Re: Yucca bow backing?
Post by: tattoo dave on December 16, 2011, 05:36:50 pm
Sounds cool! I've never heard of that, but would love to see the results. Keep me posted please.

Tattoo Dave
Title: Re: Yucca bow backing?
Post by: dbb on December 16, 2011, 05:43:47 pm
That would be a cool experiment.
And i dont see why it wouldnt work,ppl backs bows with combed flaxen ( think that is the name for raw linenfiber)and thats basicly the same thing.

/Mikael
Title: Re: Yucca bow backing?
Post by: luke the drifter on December 16, 2011, 05:49:37 pm
That idea intrigues me.  What glue would you use?
Title: Re: Yucca bow backing?
Post by: Pat B on December 16, 2011, 06:54:49 pm
I see no reason why it wouldn't. Folks use burlap, linen(raw[flax] and cloth), hemp and other natural fibers. A few guys were backing bows at the Tenn Classic last year with flax using TBIII for glue.
Title: Re: Yucca bow backing?
Post by: Catnapper on December 17, 2011, 01:06:17 pm
Luke---- im not sure what glue i would use. Im not a very experienced bowyer i have only made a a few bows and only one was backed. (with prairie rattler).  I live in Eastern Wyoming which is a bow wood dessert but we do have Juniper so i would love to use a wood native to my area. kind of a sentimental thing haha.

It will be a bit before i start this experiment as i need to go find a stave and gather some yucca. I am also gonna be starting on another piece of osage  that i ordered so it may be a month or two before i start the juniper bow. But i will definately do a build along when i do it! i just kinda wanted to get you more experienced bowyers thoughts  on it.  :)
Title: Re: Yucca bow backing?
Post by: Buckeye Guy on December 17, 2011, 07:32:00 pm
We may have to start using that stuff for something other than fire starter !!
I may give it a try myself next fall sounds interesting ,don't know why I haven't done it yet other than the fact hickory doesn't need backed !
I await your build along!
Guy