How to Back a Bow to Increase the Draw Weight
A wooden long bow or recurve's draw weight can be increased by adding a backing to the bow. Backing produces an increase in draw weight and helps guard against breakage. A variety of types of backing can be used, however an exceedingly simple backing that is available at any home improvement store is hardwood veneer. Backing a bow with hardwood veneer to increase the draw weight is a fairly simple process if performed systematically.
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Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Vise
- Marker
- Jigsaw
- Hardwood veneer (color of your choice)
- Wood glue
- C-clamps
Instructions
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1
Sand the back (portion facing away from you as you shoot) of the bow smooth, being careful to remove any and all varnishing or other finish from the back of the bow. This will help the glue adhere firmly. Wipe the bow down to remove any dust and then set it aside.
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2
Lay the bow on top of the strip of veneer and use the marker to mark the outline of your bow. Use the jigsaw to cut the bow outline out of the veneer. Spread a thin layer of wood glue on the back of the bow and allow it to dry to tacky.
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3
Spread a layer of glue along the veneer and allow it to dry to tacky as well. Place the bow in the vice with the back facing up. Place the veneer glue side down on the back of the bow and press it firmly in place
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4
Secure the veneer to the bow every 3 inches with the C-clamps and allow it to dry for 48 hours. Remove the C-clamps and allow the bow to dry another 48 hours before you string and shoot it.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also varnish the the back of the bow following the gluing of the backing if you like. This is personal preference, as many veneers come prefinished.
