I just ordered some cherry bark backing for a quarter sawn osage board that I have.  Does anyone know if that backing is strong enough to work on a board like that alone or if I'd be safer glueing down a thin hickory backer first and then the bark over that?  It's going to be 66" long and hopefully around 45# with a little reflex in the tips.

Cherry bark is usually more for decorative purposes.  I'm sure it would add some strength, but I don't think it would be strong enough.  If it were me, I'd go with a thin hickory or bamboo and use the cherry bark over that.

You don't have to back it if it is clean.  If you need to, go with the hickory.  What is your draw length?

Thanks for the replies, guys.  I posted just before leaving for work and just got home.  My DL is just over 27", John.  The board is knot free and the grain is very straight, but it's one that is sold with the understanding that it will be backed with hickory or bamboo.  I'm adding the bark just for looks.

The choke cherry bark I've used is very strong and adds not only protection but a little extra strength.

what about a layer of silk for the protection, then the bark over- the silk would be near invisible-, both put on with TB 3

I think I'd go with thin hickory (1/8" or thinner) and a 64" NTN length (or even a little shorter).  I have a 27" draw and make my osage bows 62" or shorter.  Osage is heavy and mine get real shocky over 62".  If you have edge grain backing, you can thin it after gluing it on.

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I'll make it those couple inches shorter, John.  When I did my search I came across pictures of one of your cherry bark backed osage bows, Pat, and really like the look of it.

On a few bows I cleaned the mosss and lichens off exposing the coppery slick bark under it and on a few I left the mosses and lichens on the bark and sealed over it. I love the look of the mosses and lichens the best.

I have never backed a bow with it, but the stuff is tough as nails trying to split cherry.  I have a bunch dryed and considering it.

I've heard the same thing about the toughness of the bark.  I ordered some but haven't gotten it yet, so I have yet to see what it is like.  Living in town, I don't have access to stave wood but there are acres and acres of state and county forest land within an hours drive of me.  Gotta talk to someone in forest management one of these days and find out what their policy is on cutting trees.  I know  they will let you take the deadfalls.