Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: adams89 on December 16, 2014, 08:57:23 am

Title: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: adams89 on December 16, 2014, 08:57:23 am

I have backed every bow so far with hide glue , but I heard it's possible to do it with titebond or other woodglues and it would be more weather resistent.

I would love to hear some of your experiences

Thanks a lot

Johannes
Germany

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: Pat B on December 16, 2014, 09:32:43 am

Johannes, Titebond glues are compatible with sinew and some folks prefer it but you don't get the full potential from the sinew if you use TB glues. I like the old fashioned, tried and true hide glue if I'm gonna build a sinew backed bow.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: adams89 on December 16, 2014, 09:43:28 am

Thank you Pat. Great to her some of your experience.! :)

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: Stringman on December 16, 2014, 09:55:10 am

I would take Pats advise to the bank.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: osage outlaw on December 16, 2014, 10:28:39 am

Hide glue every time for me.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: adams89 on December 16, 2014, 10:52:31 am

OK. I thought about experimenting with normal woodglue, but I guess I'll leave it and use the good old hide glue. thank you everyone for your advice! :D

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: osage outlaw on December 16, 2014, 10:55:24 am

My thoughts on the glue question are this:

Sinew + hide glue = performance enhancing backing (if the bow is designed and built for sinew)
Sinew + TB glue = protective backing similar to rawhide.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: Pat B on December 16, 2014, 10:57:56 am

I agree, Clint.  I have used TBIII on the last of 3 sinew layers (first 2 with hide glue) or just a thin coat of TBIII over sinew as a vapor barrier with good results.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: Poggins on December 16, 2014, 11:41:11 am

Guess its bacicly hide glue , Knox gelliton , according to TBB it's a little stronger than regular hide glue .

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: duke3192 on December 16, 2014, 08:05:43 pm

how strong do you mix hide glue, or what viscosity, surface tension, I've really been experimenting lately.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: Eric Garza on December 16, 2014, 08:07:43 pm

I use hide glue with sinew to get the most from the sinew. I do use Titebond III with rawhide though.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: Pat B on December 16, 2014, 08:43:34 pm

Duke, make the hide glue the consistency as syrup.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: Badger on December 17, 2014, 12:18:12 am

Hide glue is much better, tightbond takes forever to cure.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: JackCrafty on December 17, 2014, 12:31:37 am

Titebond does take a long time to cure.  Thin layers are best and not too bad, in my experience.  I use a blow dryer or heat gun to speed the drying just after I lay it down... and wrap the bow tightly to keep the sinew from raising up here and there and separating from the wood.  The same thing happens with hide glue (the separating) but it's easier to deal with hide glue.  You can add water and wrap it down again if it separates.

Title: Re: What do you use to sinew back?
Post by: adams89 on December 17, 2014, 07:13:28 am

thank you everybody on here, it's great to put a question on this board and all the woodscientist collect their answers, so everybody gets something out of it

thanks again.! :D