Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: arkdoc on April 28, 2014, 08:43:49 pm
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I am currently trying to make a bow for my brother from a red oak board. I backed the board with rawhide, but I have a question about it. I have seen pictures of other people backing bows and the rawhide was white. My rawhide was more brown tint to clear. Is there a difference? Also, I was considering staining the bow when I was finished, but with this type of rawhide, do you think it will be able to take a stain? Any other decoration ideas? Thanks guys.
On a side note I recently finished my first successful self bow and I need to post pictures of it sometime to share my first success. I have only been on this board for a short time, but I have really learned from and enjoyed my time here already.
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I would rather use transparent rawhide then thicker, white rawhide, just my preference. You can stain it with leather dye when you finish it.
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the thicker rawhide just adds weight...thin rawhide is best.
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When you go to stain it, lightly sand it with a fine grit paper to get any glue off. The stain will not soak in if you don't get it off.
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Thanks guys. I enjoy all the info I can get and will take yall's advice.
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i don't know if it matters for bows i have never backed on with rawhide. but i have used rawhide extensively for over ten years. when rawhide turns white it generally is because of age. seems to coincide with the glue and mucouses and such breaking down.
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The rawhide I have used that turned white from the same hide was thicker.
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I like to use the thinner rawhide and I have had good luck soaking the rawhide in coffee. I used some instant coffee and made it quite strong and soaked the rawhide in it and then put it on the bow. When it dried it was a very deep dark brown. I liked it a lot!