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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: inksoup on July 08, 2011, 08:39:00 AM

Title: using hemp as a backing material
Post by: inksoup on July 08, 2011, 08:39:00 AM
i am recently interested in some agricultural acitvities and i was looking for usage of hemp. as far as i undertand from the articles that i read, it has very good elasticity values. from this

 http://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/characteristics-of-hemp/  

web site it is saying that, "Not only is hemp strong, but it also holds its shape, stretching less than any other natural fiber. This prevents hemp fabric used in upholstery, demountable panels, acoustic paneling or as wallcovering from stretching out or becoming distorted with use."

so i just started to wonder if this hemp fibers can be used as backing materials for the bows? like having them as a string and processing like sinew and applying to a bow?

did anybody tried this? or want to try?
well for my one of the next trials will be this. but i do not know when.

best.

btw: i already started use / try some on my arrows. will post a picture soon.
Title: Re: using hemp as a backing material
Post by: Aznboi3644 on July 08, 2011, 11:13:00 AM
I have a hemp backed hickory bow.  I applied it in small bundles like sinew.  The bow had over 20 runouts.  But holds firm at 45lbs at 26".

I like using it...takes time though.
Title: Re: using hemp as a backing material
Post by: inksoup on July 12, 2011, 09:59:00 AM
thanks for this aznboi.
i will plan my next bow with hemp.

do you think hemp backing adding a extra poundage to a bow?
and which type of glue did you use? epoxy type or organic like gelatin, fish, hide glue type?


best.
Title: Re: using hemp as a backing material
Post by: Pat B on July 12, 2011, 11:32:00 AM
Try not to add too much hemp to the bow's back. With little stretch it can overpower the belly. I had that happen to an osage bow a few years back.
Title: Re: using hemp as a backing material
Post by: Aznboi3644 on July 12, 2011, 03:33:00 PM
I just used wood glue with a little water in it to thin it out.
Title: Re: using hemp as a backing material
Post by: inksoup on July 13, 2011, 03:42:00 AM
thanks for the informations guys. i will keep them all in mind.

best.