Hey guys-
 I spent six hours on a red oak board bow for a trade that is going on at the PA site. I didn't want to ask to many questions on that site because I want this to be a surprise as much as it can for my guy that was picked for me.

I plan on backing the red oak with rawhide since the guy draws between 28-31 inches... keeping you guessing on the actual draw. Anyways the bow is roughted out to shape and taken down to 1/2 inch thickness. The limbs are starting to bend slightly.

I was wondering do I back the bow now where it is or should I do it once the bow is floor tillered more? The bow is 66 inches ttt and I have added tip overlays so that it looks more like a recurve. I need the bow to be between 47-60 pounds so that is why I want to back it with rawhide... plus I have never backed anything so I thought I give it a shot. Thanks guys for the help. I would add pictures but photobucket is being a pain in the butt....

Justin

Do it now.  Rawhide won't add much, if any, draw weight if that is what you meant.

Don't forget to let it dry out for up to a week to insure the moisture from the glue and hide is gone.

Ok guys sounds good... So can I use titebond 3 and wrap it with ace bandage? Gonna soak the rawhide in warm water for a few minutes to soften it up too

Yes.  I prefer gauze though.  Cheaper and lets more air through.  I would just get the rawhide a little wet and let it relax without getting real slimy.  It can get tricky to work with when really wet.  I generally run it through warm water and then let it sit for 10 minutes or so.

Thanks guys for the info. The rawhide is on and I let it set up over night with the bandages on it. I took it off this morning following the directions I found online and they came out great... NO AIR BUBBLES!!! Happy Happy Happy!

Now my next question is when it is ready to finish the bow do I sand the rawhide a little and put some tru oil over it.... OR what would be the best way to finish the bow because I have no clue

Thanks guys you all rock!

Justin

Justin finish the bow just like if the rawhide wasn't on it. Sometimes I will put a thin layer of TBIII over the rawhide,let it cure out then add the finish.

alright Pat thanks for the heads up!

One question about the rawhide?? Do you cut it to the exact size or do you let it overlap then trim when dry?

I cut mine very close but do,a,little trimming after it is pretty dry but not hard.
Then when totally dry do some filling and sanding.

I do like Macbow.