Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: kra on April 19, 2008, 05:12:41 am
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Hi,
I applied a a rattlesnake skin to a sinew backed bow with hide glue.
Now my question: how long shall this dry, as the snake skin seems to be more resistive to moisture exchange with the air.
Whats appropriate - one night in the heating box, one day, one week??
The sinew backing was well dried (approx 1 year) before.
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The sinew likely soaked up some moisture from the hide glue.
I'd give it a week or so.
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Hide glue is an amazing thing. I'm glad to hear you used it. It will bond to the sinew and old hide glue like it was all applied in one coat. I used a thin layer of glue and gave mine 4 days in a dry climate. I wouldn't put it in a hot box though, I would put it in the house. At least for the first couple days. Hide glue should not be heated to much until it is dry. Justin
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I would give it at least a week and even then you will feel an increase in weight as it cures completely over the next month or so. Pat
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Ok, thanks for the advice.
Justin, for sure I use hide glue ;D . I like the way how it fixes when cooling, becomes liquid when reheated and can be washed from hands and cloth afterwards (so I do not need to change my cloth after work ;D ).
So, I will take it out of my hotbox now
The sinew was dried fully for approx one year and I shot the bow already several times, so I hope not to see too mutch degradation in draw qeight and setback. Will show when ready.
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By adding the skin with a water based glue(this will happen with the TiteBond glues also) you added moisture to the whole bow and sinew backing. This will not effect the performance of the bow if you allow the moisture to dissipate before you stress it. Pat