Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Lumberman on May 04, 2020, 08:52:09 am

Title: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: Lumberman on May 04, 2020, 08:52:09 am

Hey Guys,
I am curious what thickness you prefer if/when doing a hardwood backing? 1/8'', 3/16", or other?

Title: Re: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: Del the cat on May 04, 2020, 09:03:22 am

I'm inclined to think 3/16 gives more leeway for any slight ripples in the grain running back to belly.
I recently sawed some from Ash which has been split and of course the slit is never dead flat, so I went for slightly thicker slats.
Thin my look pretty... until the bow breaks >:D
Del

Title: Re: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: PatM on May 04, 2020, 09:04:11 am

Depends on the wood but likely somewhere between those  two numbers. Also varies depending on whether it a sawn slat or an integral growth ring configuration.

Title: Re: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: Lumberman on May 04, 2020, 09:48:00 am

Thanks for the insight! By species makes sense, I have a ton of options so will plan to go with 1/4" for hickory or Hard maple, 3/8" if I start delving into the others..
 
Are you looking at European Ash Del?

Title: Re: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: bownarra on May 04, 2020, 12:04:35 pm

My flatbow backings are normally around an 1/8th to 3/16th. Thicker and you can start running out of belly wood dependant on woods used,design etc.
Elb hickory backs I make around 1/4 to start with. This leaves room to crown the back ,

Title: Re: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: Pat B on May 04, 2020, 03:58:14 pm

The hickory backings I cut for myself were cut at 3/16" and after sanding both sides they came out about 1/8" or slightly less.

Title: Re: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: Del the cat on May 04, 2020, 04:03:45 pm

Quote from: Lumberman on May 04, 2020, 09:48:00 am

Thanks for the insight! By species makes sense, I have a ton of options so will plan to go with 1/4" for hickory or Hard maple, 3/8" if I start delving into the others..
 
Are you looking at European Ash Del?

Yeah, Ash cut in the UK I'm using it quarter sawn, grain like this ||||||||||||||||
https://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2020/03/flight-bow-fever.html (https://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2020/03/flight-bow-fever.html)
Del

Title: Re: Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?
Post by: Badger on May 04, 2020, 04:08:25 pm

  I have used a lot of white oak backings. If I am making a flat bow I start off close to 3/16. English longbows about 1/4".