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Hold my hand when I sinew my first bow

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superdav95:

--- Quote from: jameswoodmot on February 09, 2026, 06:31:15 am ---Thanks again!

Man, my hands know I was shredding sinew last night!

I’ve got 46g (1.6oz) of long 5-8” and 11g (0.4oz) of 3-5”. 2-2.5oz seems average for a 60” bow so I should have plenty there. As it’s Elm I would rather not over power the belly.

Later I’ll go through it all and sort the long bundles into two sizes and pull the longest pieces out of the short pile. Break down any larger looking bits and give it a brush through to pull out any stragglers.

I’ll get this bow to brace height and a bit further, score up the back with hacksaw blade, clean.


Does the sizing need doing at the same time as the sinewing or can I size one day and then re wet it and warm it back up again?

--- End quote ---

Ya it’s hard on the hands.  The way I do sizing for sinew prep is heating the bow slightly to open up the pours to better accept the thin glue.  I let it dry to the touch each time and with a little warm heat. Radiant heat.  I use a hot plate burner.  Do not over heat.  If you do see it bubble up let it dry and scrape it off and restart.  I go as many times with warming it and adding another size coat till it looks shiny but still thin.  This can happen on same day as laying sinew.  I would scrape the back and size coat the same day.  Sinew can wait to be done as long as you want after sizing.  Just wet it slightly with warm water just before starting to lay your bundles.  It’s also good to have a system written down.  You’ve spent all that time and energy get to this point so keep good notes.  I like to draw out a diagram even of how i plan to lay out my staggered bundles with check boxes. This way if something happens and I have e to leave and come back I can pick up where I left off.  Notes are good to keep for future builds too. I’ve often referred to my old notes as my memory is t what it used to be and I also can spot irregularities later to be improved upon. Sounds like you made some progress.  Don’t worry about measuring out too much glue.  You can always freeze it to be used later.   When you are about to lay sinew it will all be laid out in measured bundles that are damp, clean, combed straight and brushed of debris.  I dip my bundles right down into the glue and squeeze out the excess glue and lay it down. Best of luck and keep us updated.   

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