I have a hickory long with hickory backing. It is 72" and I pull it to about 53#. Over the years it has taken some noticeable string set, probably about 2-3 inches at least. My question is, will adding a backing strip of hickory, bamboo or fiberglass reverse some of this string set? Also, how much could this increase the overall draw weight of the bow? Thanks for any info in advance.
I've seen this suggested as a way to salvage an old bow in older archery books --- they usually advocate retillering to a desired draw weight --- while it works, I don't see it as being worth the effort given the loss of efficiency.
The answer is a bit complicated. You could add a backing glued on with the bow in a reflex. You would gain about 15# and have to retiller to your intended draw weight.
Depending on what your current hickory backing is glued on with you could make a simple reflex form, clamp your bow to the form and toast the belly with a heat gun. This would remove the string follow and pick up a few pounds but you would have to retiller.
If your backing is glued on with anything but urac heating would cause it to delaminate.
Unless you have a very long draw I would pike your bow to 68" or 66" before doing any of the above. A 72" bow has a lot of unnecessary extra wood on the tips to kill efficiency.
I would not mess with another backing but there is reason for some hope at least.
http://sticknstring.webs.com/fixit.htm