It's great to hear from all of you! Several idea's come to mind, reading from your posts. I like the idea of a local get together, maybe at a state park or someones home. As to backing a bow, most of the time I do, unless I have a very clean stave to work with, and as for board bows, I always back them. Had one break on me awhile back, and have backed boards ever since! Saving the best for last,, Thanks, All of you. One trip to the Tenn. Classic, and the great, helpful people there, this forum or message board system full of that same spirit of welcoming,, I'm at a loss for words,,, ( As a newbee here, I'd be gratefull to know when to stop this subject, and any spoken or unspoken rules for this, my favorite site of all ! "bowstring"