I'm currently working on a honey locust self bow. Its the ugliest piece of wood I've ever laid my hands on. Its very knotted and gnarly. I've nicked the first growth ring while stripping the bark off of it. I think it's in the Bows favor that I back it for added security. Any suggestions to alternate backings? Perhaps wood glue and an old silk necktie? I don't have enough sinew for this bow and I certainly don't have any rawhide. Once a bow is backed can I still seal it with lindseed oil?

I used rawhide from one of those rawhide dog chews like you get at the pet store.They work pretty good and are fairly inexpensive.You just soak it in a tub of water until soft cut it into the shape you want and use tight bond II to glue it down.

As above, old friend used dog chew rawhide.

Do I let the rawhide dry out for a certain amount of time before I apply glue and what to i wrap the stave with to keep the hide snugly against the wood?

No you apply the raw hide wet. just apply glue to the rawhide and bow back.lay it on and smooth out air bubbles.I used old t shirts on the first bow I did and painters tape on the second one.Both worked but to speed up the drying you have to remove the painters tape after about 24 hrs.I am going to try using vet wrap on the next one I do.

No you apply the raw hide wet. just apply glue to the rawhide and bow back.lay it on and smooth out air bubbles.I used old t shirts on the first bow I did and painters tape on the second one.Both worked but to speed up the drying you have to remove the painters tape after about 24 hrs.I am going to try using vet wrap on the next one I do.

Oops double post. :)

ace wraps work too! Lance

Sinew if you want a backing that actually provides some type of performance advantage.

If you don't then just add a sinew or rawhide patch to the affected area.

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