Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: The Gopher on November 10, 2013, 10:26:36 am

Title: rawhide backing question
Post by: The Gopher on November 10, 2013, 10:26:36 am
I just put a rawhide backing on a bow and its all cured now. I found that if i scratch my finger nails up and down the backing it all feels and sounds solid accept for one little spot about the size of a dime, when i scratch that spot the sound changes. I'm sure this means there is a void there. The edges look well adhered so the void is in the center. Should i cut a slit in the rawhide and try to get some glue in there?
Title: Re: rawhide backing question
Post by: adb on November 10, 2013, 10:41:34 am
Poke it with a small needle. If you have access to a small diabetic type hypo syringe, you can inject some glue into the void if you want. To avoid this problem, I glue down my rawhide by clamping it under a pressure board, or wrapping it with inner tubes over a strip of leather.
Title: Re: rawhide backing question
Post by: Pat B on November 10, 2013, 12:50:30 pm
Try rehydrating the rawhide at the spot, cut a small slit lengthwise and put some glue in under the rawhide then bind it with strips of cloth. I use strips of old bed sheets.
 When I add a rawhide or snake skin backing with TBIII glue I will wrap it with cloh strips for about an hour, remove the cloth strips and check for voids and excess glue pockets. A small slit at each and a little hand/finger pressure will work out the air or excess glue and push the rawhide or skin back down on the limb surface.
Title: Re: rawhide backing question
Post by: Carson (CMB) on November 10, 2013, 05:35:47 pm
What glue did you use?  One of the advantages to using hide glue for rawhide backing is that it can be rehydrated and bubbles can be removed with a needle and reapplying pressure. 
Title: Re: rawhide backing question
Post by: The Gopher on November 10, 2013, 08:29:28 pm
I used titebond 2. Thanks for the tips guys, I'll let you know how it goes.