Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: autologus on February 27, 2013, 10:46:02 am

Title: Backing ERC
Post by: autologus on February 27, 2013, 10:46:02 am

I have a source for nice dimensional ERC lumber up to 8/4 in thickness and was thinking about trying a backed ERC with it.  What would be your all's preference to back ERC boards.  I know sinew is good but was not sure on using it to back boards.

Grady

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: gpw on February 27, 2013, 11:33:45 am

 Thin Hickory ...    ERC is one of our all time favorites for making the old style man tall ELBs ...   we use ~1/8”  quarter sawn Hickory and never had a failure ...   have made ERC ELBs up to 70#@28” ...  Very light in the hand , thick at the handle much like a Yew bow and a delight to shoot  big heavy arrows ...  ;D
  Glue it up with some Perry reflex and it will be a “shooter” ... 8)

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: autologus on February 27, 2013, 12:14:55 pm

Would quartersawn Ash work well for backing?  It would make for a real light physical weight bow.

Grady

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: osagejack on February 27, 2013, 01:05:01 pm

I would be very careful backing cedar,it is easy to over power the cedar  and when she goes it wont be quiet >:D

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: Josh B on February 27, 2013, 01:36:27 pm

I haven't done it mind you, but I would think that ash would compliment erc quite well.  Erc has great compression properties, its the tension part that is responsible for its bad reputation.  Josh

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: Cardboard_Duck on February 27, 2013, 01:43:02 pm

I have made three hickory backed ERC bows and it works great.

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: gutpile on February 27, 2013, 03:49:17 pm

I believe rawhide would be your best backing if not using sinew..JMO..gut

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: PatM on February 27, 2013, 05:52:49 pm

Good Maple is another great choice for backing.

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: vinemaplebows on February 27, 2013, 06:05:53 pm

Bamboo, although the other woods mentioned are fine choices, and yes I have done it before.

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: bcbull on February 27, 2013, 10:12:54 pm

V maple id like see pic s of that boo ceader brock

Title: Re: Backing ERC
Post by: vinemaplebows on February 27, 2013, 10:31:12 pm

I would be glad too, but Mullet has it, and gave it to his son-in-law I believe. I remember making that bow well, as I removed the top part of my index finger making it on the joiner. :laugh:

VMB