To back a bow with Cherry bark...

[TheFatboy]

I read this magnificent walkthrough right here -    http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=2366.0    - one of the major problems being the lack of pictures, probably due to the age of the original post.

So... I've got the bark, I've got the glue. I've read the build along, but being the kind of guy who learns more from pictures than long explanations, I'm anxious to know if any of you ever bothered to photograph the whole process. If not... I would love to learn from your past experiences.

Fire at will!

[b.glass]

I did that once, quite a while ago though. I'll have to check the memory banks to see if I can remember anything of interest. It turned out pretty well as I recall!

[vanillabear?]

[Pat B]

I don't have a build along but here are a few pics of two cherry bark backed bows I've made(45#@28"). The first one is a bow I built last year and donated to CTA in memory of Herb Reynolds the founder. The other one is a 60" static recurve(48#@26") that bends through the handle.
 With a smooth back it goes down easy. I soaked the bark in warm water for a while before gluing the bark down then wrapped with strips of thin cloth.






 
I opted to leave the moss and lichens on the bark for it's camo effects. Generally this is removed to expose the beautiful coppery colored bark.

[Pat B]

TiteBondIII was used to glue the bark down on both of these bows.

[TheFatboy]

Looks nice Pat! Nice to hear that you can soak the bark in warm water first, as my bark is quite dry. How long did you soak it for?

Glass, that would be sweet. Rather safe than sorry    


Vanilla, maybe that's it... I'll check it out.

[Apex Predator]

Yep, got to sign in to see photos on that site.

That's a real beauty Pat!

[b.glass]

Amazing Pat! Gorgeous!

[TheFatboy]

Got a user and the pictures work now - brilliant!

Tips and tricks are still welcomed with open arms. First time I'm trying this out.

[Pat B]

Cut the bark close to the limb width before gluing. I traced each limb on the bark with pencil and marked the bark piece so not to mix them up. An hour or so soaking should be plenty long enough. It will not get real pliable but better than dry.
 Here is another use for cherry bark. I made these just recently. The one with the bark accent strip at the top is a trade item I mailed off today. These are the 3rd and 4th basket quivers I've ever made and I may have to make a few more.

[TheFatboy]

After soaking the bark, do I need to prepare it in any way, before appplying it to the bow?

Seeing that I don't have a full length piece, is it valid to do as in the walkthrough; cutting a 45 degree edge and mating it with another piece?

[TheFatboy]

Awesome looking quivers, by the way! You're quite the handyman  

[Pat B]

Andreas, Yes, do a scarf joint(mated 45 degree edges) at glue up and add a thread wrap to secure it. On the recurve I used silk thread(red) to complete the termination at the limb tip and I think I used hemp cord for the same on "Herb's Bow". I set both wraps in superglue.
 To apply the bark size both the bows back and bark first then add the glue to both at glue up. I used old bed sheets, torn in 2" strips to wrap the glued down bark. This allows good air circulation as it secures the bark backing. After about an hour(with TBIII) I removed the wrap, carefully cleaned up the excess glue and did an initial trimming of the bark along the edges of the limbs. Be careful not to pull the bark loose at this time. After 24 hours you should be able to smooth the the edges for a nice clean transition. A file or sandpaper should work well here.

[TheFatboy]

I feel like I know much more now. Can't wait to try it out. Planning and crafting bows surely is satisfying.

Thank you for the great advice Pat      

[Kevin A.]

is there other bark that could be used. Like birch ?

[walkabout]

im pretty sure you could use birch, not sure if it would take diferent prep or not though

[Pat B]

Paper bark birch would work fine for these accent strips.