Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Stringman on February 10, 2013, 02:51:36 pm

Title: Sinew backing on black locust?
Post by: Stringman on February 10, 2013, 02:51:36 pm

The smart side of my brain tells me to leave that nemesis wood alone, but since this piece was already floor tillered and standing in a corner I went ahead and worked it down a little closer today.

(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s670/cotton7611/8AA5396F-0007-4C43-A094-9281F16C9971-7689-00000C73EDCA467E_zps2f99c21c.jpg)
(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s670/cotton7611/F8C7FA19-DBB9-4A88-BA63-4E2E9347E878-7689-00000C73E81283D4_zps0083edf7.jpg)

It is tillered out to around 25" but seems to have a tendency to follow the string pretty bad. It's 62" now and my question is would this be a good candidate for sinew?

Scott

Title: Re: Sinew backing on black locust?
Post by: Pat B on February 10, 2013, 03:00:17 pm

Locust should work well with a sinew backing but being quite strong in tension it probably doesn't need it. Locust does react well to heat treating so that would be an option and would help reduce set.

Title: Re: Sinew backing on black locust?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 10, 2013, 03:36:10 pm

I agree with Pat. If you decide to add sinew, I would temper it. If you decide to leave it unbacked I would still temper it. It warms up VERY fast compared to any other wood Ive tempered. Dont walk away from the heat gun.

Title: Re: Sinew backing on black locust?
Post by: Squirrelslayer on February 10, 2013, 04:18:23 pm

Sorry this is slightly off topic but how do you heat treat a bow? is it correcting imperfections like twist and deflex with heat or is it something completly diffrent. i only ask as i want to do anything i can to stop the bow im working on from taking set. SS

Title: Re: Sinew backing on black locust?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 10, 2013, 04:26:30 pm

Hold your heat gun on high in one spot starting at your fade. Keep it at 3.5-4" away until the wood looks a toast color. Move the heat gun less than its diameter and repeat until the working limb is evenly tempered. Dont get it black and burnt, think toast. You can clamp the bow to a reflexed caul as you go. I always temper, straighten, untwist and reflex in one shot. I believe its better for the wood.

Title: Re: Sinew backing on black locust?
Post by: Stringman on February 10, 2013, 04:42:18 pm

Ok, well I've already heat treated the belly once, but I'm sure I've scraped most of that off by now. Should I temper again?

Also, if I did go with the sinew job, what poundage should I be at before adding the sinew? Right now I feel it is pretty high weight.

Scott

Title: Re: Sinew backing on black locust?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 10, 2013, 04:47:23 pm

Once is enough. I would get it well tillered to about 30# @ 18-19". Then add 2-3 layers of well lain, straight sinew.