christmas exchange '12 time to move'em out

[ionicmuffin]

Im using Konx gelatin. I have applied the first coating of the glue to the back as a primer. Ill get to work on the sinews sometime soon


Also, is it possible to speed up the overall process of drying and curing the sinew??? i have a heater that can heat the air quite nicely, i also can add a fan to move the air since stagnate air you dont get the moisture removed as fast.

[Bryce]

Don't dry it with heat. Just let it sit in a room where the temperature doesn't fluctuate too much. Usually I put sinew on in the bathroom with the shower on. Get it nice and misty. Then once the 1st course is down hit it with the blow dryer on "cool" to gel the glue then I let it sit in a room that's about 69 deg. For 3-4 days then apply another. Up to 3 courses then let cure for a month.
Very good results.

This is a process you do not want to rush.

[ionicmuffin]

hmm. then i may have to get going on the stock and all while im at it. I figure if this one goes bad too then i may just need to leave well enough alone and do something i can finish for my recipient. Ill do my best to finish it

Also, just curious, i can still use a fan between sinew layers to allow for more thorough drying right?

[hunterbob]

I leave sinew dry on its own for at least a month if not more.

[Pat B]

Air movement helps the sinew/glue dry quicker but like Bryce said you do not want to rush this process. The sinew will continue to dry over a year and maybe more. Some of the ancient Chinese bows would cure for 10 years or more before they were used.

[ionicmuffin]

Ok, so air movement, would it be ok to string it up after at least 2 weeks or so? I would like this to be my gift but if its going to take a long time i may just find something else.

[Bryce]

1 whole month

[ionicmuffin]

  ok, one whole month. This is going to be tough....

[Bryce]

It is tough. Just put it somewhere where your not gonna see it all the time.
I once waiting a year... Well worth it!

[Pat B]

I did a month between courses and 3 courses then a week before the snake skin and another month before shooting it.

[paulsemp]

For my gift I decided to use the sister stave to a bow I sent Pat B. It ended up about 56" ttt and have not put a scale on it but I would say 55 to 60 lbs at 26". My recipient has a longer draw length than 26 but I thought they might enjoy a shorter bow for a blind or the brush. Simple jute handle and oil with wax finish. I will try to get 1/2 doz arrows done to go with it. 

[fishfinder401]

love that bow and, i have yet to try a short bow but im tempted

[wildman]

Ready to ship, just gotta wait a few days now!!!!!! Made this tiny lil guy to go along with the Bowie style i posted the other day. I used a deer tine that fit the case skinned copper head tail, the metal is the same as i make my trade points carved deer tine with a tiny lil snake head. Now ill just box it all up and send it to _____________  ____________ in the great state of ___________________ .

[Adam]

Oh, that's a nice looking knife right there!

[half eye]

That there IS A Knife, sir. everything about it is top shelf, hell no wonder they call ya wildman
rich