Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: lerxst on March 12, 2011, 12:18:22 am

Title: degreasing back sinew
Post by: lerxst 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?

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: JW_Halverson 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. 

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: HickoryBill 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.

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: Pat B on March 12, 2011, 12:46:46 am

I do the same.

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: 1776J on March 12, 2011, 01:59:07 am

I'm using some Dawn detergent from now on!!  :)

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: JW_Halverson on March 12, 2011, 02:07:54 am

1776j, we are all glad it finally Dawned on you!

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: Eric Garza 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.

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: lerxst on March 12, 2011, 11:40:08 am

Thanks for your help  :)

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: 1776J on March 12, 2011, 02:17:31 pm

Quote from: JW_Halverson on March 12, 2011, 02:07:54 am

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!  ::)

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: ricktrojanowski 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.

Title: Re: degreasing back sinew
Post by: JW_Halverson 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.