Spliced a couple of osage slats that were given to me and plan to make a bow. I want to back with hickory and had several questsions:
1) What thickness should the hickory backing be? I have heard 1/4, 3/16, and 1/8
2) Should the backing be tapered to the tips from the handle area?
3) Should the osage slat be tapered as well? If so how much?
Thanks for the help.
JZ
any of the above thicknesses will work...but I like 1/8"...if it's thicker you can tiller using the back too... :) I do not taper mine because I like the tips to be stiff...I don't taper the osage for the same reason...
have fun.
Bob
Hey Jim, wish I answer your question, but I can't..have you considered the buying one or all of the "Bowyers Bible" series of books? there are other books that you may consider too..Maybe Donnie W can help you??
I use 1/8" hickory for backing and do not taper it. I do taper the belly so the limbs bend evenly and together at floor tiller stage then I glue it up in reflex. Place tips on 2x4 blocks on edge and pull the handle to the table. This will give you about 2" or a bit more of reflex when unclamped. Your finished bow should come out with 1" of reflex or a flat profile. TBII or TBIII is a good glue for your projects.