Just curious as to what the experienced bow makers think is the best bow backing material. I'm going to guess that sinew would be #1? How about a list of 5 in the order of preference.

These are the ones I've used in order-sinew, rawhide, burlap, linen, silk.

These days I just make selfbows.

Jawge

Need to know what and why you are backing before anything else matters.

Pear Drums.Im working on a black locust sapling.Just been staring at it for a couple of weeks trying to decide if I want to back it and what to back it with.

Does it need a backing? If it doesn't, I would prefer to leave it as a natural, clean back. If you have ring issues then I would use rawhide.

I agree with Pearl. There are different reasons to back bows with different type backings. I'm certainly no expert on backing bows. I've only done one which was the second bow I built. I was nervous after breaking my first bow. Looking back now I believe it was totally unnecessary and hurt that bows performance somewhat. It did however give me enough confidence to not be afraid to shoot it. From my limited understanding of backings. Sinew is a good choice for a shorter bow that will have a more extreme bend enabling it to take advantage of sinews elastic properties. Heard it said many times that it just adds weight to a longer less stressful design. From my limited understanding of wood or bamboo backings they are best used to match up with woods they work well with and even then the thickness of the backings need to match the capabilities of the belly. These are just my understandings and may not be totally correct. I just try for a clean back and as good of a tiller as I can get. That works for the designs and woods I use. I do believe I'll experiment with some different designs, woods and backings in the future. Bjrogg

In my experience, rawhide (from a deer) can help keep splinters from lifting from the bow's back and also prevent dings, thus providing some protection against breakage.

But it cannot "be" (provide the full tension required of) a bow's back. You should not expect rawhide to provide sufficient tension over a cut-thru ring.

If you are concerned about a violated back ring, I think sinew is very much preferable to rawhide. Sinew stretches better than rawhide and it can "be" the bow's back.

It is not primitive but i have had good luck with fiberglass cloth.Like above sinew first,hickory, bamboo.

Silk.....old. Neck tie

Yep...depends on the bow and the purpose.

Short, highly reflexed bows, sinew can't be beat.

Longer, more stable and less stressed designs, as mentioned Hickory, Maple makes good backing, as does Ash and Bamboo.

That is if the design or the stave need a backing.

I use quite a bit of white oak backing, not so much because it is superior to other backings but it is reliable and easy to find in straight grained 1/4 sawn boards. I have used it on just about anything you can't think of.

Thanks guys.

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