Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: BigNocker on June 22, 2011, 08:56:46 pm
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Im going to sinew back a bow. I've read about using both and have conflicting reports on which one works best, the long flat back sinew, or the short but plentiful leg tendons. I need some clarification.
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I'm thinking either would work just as well but as afore mentioned the legs are plentiful :). I'm no expert but if you alternate lengths, overlap a tad and glue up right legs work great. The long backstaps are just really handy for tying on points and fletching among other things.
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I used to back a lot of bows with sinew, I got really tired of pounding legs out. Nowadays I make glue from leg tendons and save the back sinew for projects.
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You can get really long leg tendons if you cut them the right way. I am going to do a How-to this fall on cutting them. I get rear leg tendons close to 18" from whitetails
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Do I have enough of either to cover it or should I find someplace to order some more...Ive got about 5 good pieces of back tendon and maybe 4-6 pieces of leg tendon. I don't know the specs exactly but it a flat bow style about 67" to nock and tapering down from maybe 2" wide.
My one other question is if I use the back tendon should I break it down farther than what I would for stitching or fletching? Or should I use it as a heavy thread. The heavy thread bundles seem really thick.
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I've only used leg tendon to back bows with. I use back sinew for any time I want longer threads. I'm not sure 4 leg tendons is enough to back a bow. 6 might be. I usually put on 2 layers, both at the same time, and have the second layer not go all the way to the tips. Lately, like JW, I don't sinew back much.
George