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Sinew backed hickory

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bluejack:
I`m working on a shagbark hickory-64" ntn with recurved tips. Would like to try my first time with sinew backing- should I get to floor tiller stage or full tiller before backing or just go ahead and apply sinew before bending at all ? Thanks, Bluejack

Pat B:
Bluejack, I usually get a bow bending well before adding the sinew. On some I've gone to about half tiller and others I've gone out to full draw before adding the sinew. You will probably have to make a few adjustments once the sinew cures out.
 I'm going to move this to "BOWS" so you will get more comments.

bluejack:
OK- Thanks Pat-didn`t quite know where to post it.-Bluejack.

superdav95:
I second what pat said.  I’ve done it also at the stage of just past brace and full tiller.  The last one I did had horn on the belly and so only tillered as far as brace height before applying sinew.  Otherwise I would get it bending really well then apply sinew like pat said.  Best of luck with your bow build. 

bownarra:
Just to be different ;)
I would advise against bending it too far. You should stop well short of getting any set. Ideally a sinewed bow should be reflexed quite a lot. Bellywood that has been compressed (significantly) does not like being bent backwards (whilst adding the reflex) and thus feeling tension.
Also a sinewed bow can easily become sluggish if the sinew isn't applied correctly. Sinew/glue matrix is dense stuff - about 1.3 s.g. - you have got to make it 'work' or else it is dead weight.
For me I would rough out the bow. Get it to brace height. Make sure the weight wasn't far to high. Heat treat the belly and reflex at the same time, about 2" reflex at this point.
Prepare and apply the first lay of sinew. Once the glue had gelled I would then reflex the bow further, about 4 - 5 inches total (with a reverse brace string). I would let that layer dry for 2 weeks. I would then sand the back, size with 5% gle and apply my 2nd layer. Again waiting until the glue gelled ten adding more reflex to about 6 - 7".
Leave to dry for two weeks then asses sinew thickness. Maybe add one more layer down the crown.
Leave it for a further 2 weeks.
Then tiller.

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