Non-bow-supplies rawhide source

Exiled_Archer · April 13, 2018, 01:23:02 AM

So if I want some rawhide to back my bow but don't want to buy rawhide sold specifically for bow backing, what are my options?

Do the dog bones work? Which ones?

Or what? What y'all using?

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skeaterbait · April 13, 2018, 07:59:02 AM

The problem you will have with dog bones, and likely most other sources, is the thickness will not be consistent. When you get rawhide specifically for backing it will processed to a uniform thickness.

Bowjunkie · April 13, 2018, 09:49:17 AM

I use the hides of deer I've shot. Does are generally thinner than bucks, with less scarring.

mlsthmpsn · April 13, 2018, 09:51:54 AM

Dog chews will be made from cowhide, and usually the thick, uneven-grainy, crappy parts of the cow that don't even make it into the cheap leather pile.

You'll want to look for deer rawhide for backing bows, and you'll be laying out some decent cash for it no matter the source. If you have space, it's fairly easy to process your own...just takes some time.

Shredd · April 13, 2018, 10:50:06 AM

Here is where I use to get my skins from when I made drums... They are right in town here, which made it convenient for me...

http://www.mid-east.com/Natural-Skins

Call and ask if they have whole hides and if they can cut you a 1/4 of it...

Also this goes for everyone out there using hide... Different skins have different qualities... A cowhide is sensitive to moisture a lot more than goat skin and I believe that African goat skins are a lot tougher than goat skins from Pakistan...

Exiled_Archer · April 13, 2018, 12:18:44 PM

Hm. Well okay then. I normally back with craft paper or fabric of some sort and it seems like that's still probably going to be the most cost effective when backing with a non-working material.

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mlsthmpsn · April 13, 2018, 12:24:32 PM

Silk ties are very cheap at thrift stores. Keep an eye out for earth tone colors, rip the seams off and glue them on the Titebond hide glue. I've also seen people use denim, cloth, fiberglass joint tape, and probably others I don't recall at the moment.

Exiled_Archer · April 13, 2018, 01:00:42 PM

Never tried the silk tie. That sounds like a good idea

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Wolftrail · April 13, 2018, 01:38:49 PM

Rawhide adds more weight does it not..? I used silk but prefer linen its easier to apply especially in the reflex areas.
Quite honestly I like using Nylon its light and holds together when a limb breaks. I know its not natural but who cares.

mlsthmpsn · April 13, 2018, 01:57:04 PM

Quote from: Wolftrail on April 13, 2018, 01:38:49 PM

Quite honestly I like using Nylon its light and holds together when a limb breaks. I know its not natural but who cares.

Nylon in my boot laces and pack straps ain't natural neither.

Exiled_Archer · April 13, 2018, 02:22:41 PM

Yah I don't care if it's natural. I care if it costs a lot. Lol

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Pat B · April 13, 2018, 03:00:21 PM

Deer or goat rawhide make good backings. If you have a Hispanic community near you they should have goat skins you can make rawhide from.

Shredd · April 13, 2018, 04:13:43 PM

I don't make wood bows but I would have to say that is a big jump going from rawhide to paper or cloth... I am not sure why you even considered rawhide...

Forwardhandle · April 13, 2018, 05:24:27 PM

I use goat rawhide I got a whole hide a while back from one of the drum maker supplier but don't remember which one but goat hide is very thin and tuff and it adds little mass it great rawhide !

Bowjunkie · April 13, 2018, 06:59:51 PM

Yeah Shredd, that is a big jump. Rawhide is tough. So are some fish skins. Sturgeon skin is just as tough as rawhide.

A yearling deer hide is quite thin too. Add weight? Hardly anything.

Nylon? Silk tie? That reminds me of a guy I know that backed a bow with an old car seat belt.

Exiled_Archer · April 13, 2018, 09:39:02 PM

Well it's tough, but it doesnt do any work, and neither do the other backings mentioned....So i don't think it's that much of a jump

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Shredd · April 14, 2018, 12:36:16 AM

I am talking weight... Unless you can make it as thin as fabric... And then it will probably fall apart...

Bowjunkie · April 14, 2018, 05:04:15 AM

One of the benefits of rawhide is it prevents damage to bow backs from dings and dents which can lead to tension failure. Silk and paper don't offer the same level of protection.

Exiled_Archer · April 14, 2018, 08:13:33 AM

Well this post has evolved a bit. Lol

But this brings up some interesting thoughts. Whats most important for a backing?

External protection (damage)?
Internal protection (splinters)?
Or gaining some protection while limiting power loss?

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Bowjunkie · April 14, 2018, 12:20:46 PM

What's most important, and which backing material I choose depends on the species of wood used and the characteristics of the individual piece.