Author Topic: degreasing back sinew  (Read 3098 times)

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Offline lerxst

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degreasing back sinew
« on: March 12, 2011, 12:18:22 am »
Hi I hope this isnt rebeating an old topic but I searched for it and couldnt find what I was looking for. I have seen lots of stuff on degreasing a bow berfore applying sinew.What I want to know about is does anyone degrease back sinew before using and if so what do they use?

Offline JW_Halverson

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2011, 12:25:00 am »
I scrape the living daylights outa mine while it is still fresh, then soak them in water with a little dawn dishwashing liquid for a short time before several long rinses in fresh water.  I imagine the same could be acheived by using water that has been strained thru hardwood ash. 
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline HickoryBill

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2011, 12:27:37 am »
Soak them in luke warm water with some dish detergent. Then rinse in clean water. I wouldn't use hot water though.
"He who hesitates usually misses"
"All you really need to make a bow and arrow are some sticks and a deer carcass"
Bill Stockdill
Clarion County Pennsylvania

Offline Pat B

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2011, 12:46:46 am »
I do the same.
« Last Edit: March 12, 2011, 03:39:57 pm by Pat B »
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline 1776J

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2011, 01:59:07 am »
I'm using some Dawn detergent from now on!!  :)

Offline JW_Halverson

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2011, 02:07:54 am »
1776j, we are all glad it finally Dawned on you!
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline Eric Garza

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2011, 02:25:19 am »
I soak the freshly scraped sinew in several changes of warm (not hot) water until the water doesn't take on any more color and no film forms at its surface.  Never tried dishwashing liquid.

Offline lerxst

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2011, 11:40:08 am »
Thanks for your help  :)

Offline 1776J

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2011, 02:17:31 pm »
1776j, we are all glad it finally Dawned on you!

Hahaha.....
Just wish someone...anyone... would have been suggested that "before" I used the back sinew!!   :o :o :o
Oh well,...we learn the hard way now and then!  ::)

Offline ricktrojanowski

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2011, 10:52:44 pm »
I was told to take the processed bundles that are ready to be applied to the bow, and dip them in acetone and blot dry.  Didn't try it myself, yet.  Is it really necessary to degrease the sinew in the first place?   It's been my experience that as long as the back of the bow is properly degreased and properly sized,  the sinew adheres well.  And the sinew to sinew bond is a naturally really strong adhesion with hide glue.   Just my opinion.   I would like to know others opinions on the necessity of degreasing sinew.
Traverse City, MI

Offline JW_Halverson

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Re: degreasing back sinew
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2011, 11:09:24 pm »
I've had some back sinew with fat deposits on it.  I get the feeling that scraping alone can work the fat into the sinew tissues making it resist the glue to some extent.  I would rather play it safe.
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.