Raw hide backing

[ranger 3]

Which is better for applying rawhide hide glue or TB?

[soopernate]

I like Titebond Hide Glue for rawhide and silk both.  The Titebonds will ALL work and I have used both 2 and 3 but prefer the hide glue WHEN i do that which is not very often

[bjansen]

Ive been using tbIII with very good results.  I have never tried hide glue though.

[Pat B]

I always use TB glue but hide glue is a definite option. Hide glue and rawhide are made up of the same protein so they are the most compatible.   If you buy liquid hide glue be sure it is not out of date. That is it's only problem.

[Steve Kendrot]

When should rawhide be applied? Before or after tillering process?

[Pat B]

Depends on the stave. I only back a bow if it has a problem. With a good back ring, knots or not there is no need for a backing.
 If the back is less than good I like to add the raw hide any time from floor tiller time until after the first bracing, again depending on the stave.

[pappy]

I rawhide after floor tiller also and use TB3
most of the time.Like Pat said if there is no problem with the back I don't use anything.
  Pappy

[Loren Holland]

newbie question.  Can TBIII be used for sinew?  If not, TBB1 said not to used "liquid hide glue", because it takes too long to dry.  Is TB Hide Glue the liquid hide glue the book mentioned? Are you better off buying the powder and adding water?Does Sinew offer a different requirement than rawhide?different drying time or shrinkage?

I am going for the last 4 days of the season here in TX. Between myself and the other guys in camp, I plan on having some sinew, but have never backed with anything other than canvas on my first bow, and a few hickory backings since.

[John Scifres]

You can use TBIII for sinew.  Some argue that it won't allow the sinew to work as well since it won't have as an organic matrix.  I only know that in my experience, it does allow for the sinew to shrink and work as much as hide glue.  It also dries/cures quicker and is water resistant.  Changes in relative humidity do not affect my sinew bows done with TBIII as much as those done with hide glue.  I have never used liquid hide glue.

[George Tsoukalas]

Nothing beats hide glue on an animal backing but life is about compromises. I use TB on rawhide because it's waterproof. jawge