I want to back my red oak board bow and understand what the backing does and even some of the materials that can be used.
My question is do i just glue the backing in place with my Titebond III?
I searched "backing" but haven't found an answer unless I overlooked it.
i use TBIII on red oak board bows. i have used it to glue up fabric, paper, and hickory/pecan strips. I have never had a backing problem, although about 9 months ago i had a r/d blow up on me at the just past the fade. that could have been multiple things though, as that one was ipe and i think there was a swirl in the grain, and i stressed the fade too much, and i think i starved the gllue joint on top of all that...oh yeah, last thing on TBIII...use enough glue, cover both surfaces, use spring clamps to maintain even pressure for a good glue line, but don't starve it
I've used TB glues on backed bows with good results. With the tropicals and oily wood like osage you need to degrease just before glue-up and TB glues like smooth, well mated gluing surfaces.
I have made a few hickory backed red oak board bows that are great shooting bows. Maple, elm and ash can be used as backing strips also on red oak. Wood backing strips will add performance but if you just want a little insurance, silk, linen or brown paper backing with TB glue will give you that.