Artificial Sinew

[Danzn Bar]

When I said " used properly" JW's description was right on.  Thinning the strands is the way to go. the thinner the better......and don't use it on the point end of the arrow as Pearl said it will fray in no time.......the super glue actually melts the wax and does a good job..... I cut 5 minute epoxy with acetone and make a final coat with that for an armor finish especially on point wraps.... 
DBar

[CavemanRob]

I don't shoot as much as Pearl drums, or I loose an arrow before the art. sinew frays badly enough to warrant a replacement.  it is really REALLY hard to get a thin enough piece to do the fletching wrap though, Ill admit that.  I think Ill try some braided fishing line for the fletching wrap on my next few arrows.  I have only used glue-on points, so I can't speak to the fraying on a point end, but I imagine it would get really nasty really quickly there. 

[loon]

Polyester thread should be ok?..
Or linen? :p
What would be some good, strong silk that isn't too expensive?..

[osage outlaw]

Try some outdoor UV resistant thread.  It is very strong and small diameter.  Perfect for wrapping arrows.  My local walmart used to carry it but they stopped.  I just ordered a giant spool off ebay for $7.  It will last me 20 years.

[loon]

Try some outdoor UV resistant thread.  It is very strong and small diameter.  Perfect for wrapping arrows.  My local walmart used to carry it but they stopped.  I just ordered a giant spool off ebay for $7.  It will last me 20 years.

if it is polyester, maybe it could make bowstrings...?

[Ippus]

For that matter, why not just use single-strand b50 Dacron or fastflight or something? Or is that not cost-effective or something?

[osage outlaw]

The thread that I use is smaller diameter than bow string material. 


Here is the thread that I use.  I coat it 2x with superglue.  This picture was taken before I applied the superglue.  The arrow on the far left went through a rib, lung, and heart of a buck.  The wrapping looked the same after the shot.

 


Same thread on nock end of different arrows.

[JW_Halverson]

For that matter, why not just use single-strand b50 Dacron or fastflight or something? Or is that not cost-effective or something?

That is a rounder cross section material and will stand up a good bit more proud of the arrow shaft.  It's gonna scratch shooting off knuckle and if shooting off shelf, it's gonna kick the shaft up a little bit as it passes. Thinner material like sinew, thinned down artificial sinew, or a single layer of sewing thread is much better. 

I have also used sewing thread, but quickly learned to wipe multiple layers of wood glue or some such to smooth it out.  Otherwise it can be a little scratchy, too.

[loon]

yeah... braided is better for wrapping stuff (and serving) in general, I think..
Woah that thread actually looks really nice osage outlaw. Maybe I'll get some ... ... interesting to see the stone points hafted with it too. nice shaft paint for visibility

[Ippus]

You mention superglue... How do you apply that without gluing yourself to everything?

[osage outlaw]

I put a few drops around the wrap and then take my finger and smooth it out while spinning the arrow.  I wear a latex glove while doing this. 

[loon]

got some loctite 480 on my fingers, hopefully acetone will dissolve it. should get latex gloves..

[osage outlaw]

I've put a zip loc bag or a plastic shopping bag over my finger to smooth the superglue.  That worked just as well.

[loon]

Try some outdoor UV resistant thread.  It is very strong and small diameter.  Perfect for wrapping arrows.  My local walmart used to carry it but they stopped.  I just ordered a giant spool off ebay for $7.  It will last me 20 years.

So the thread you use is not braided? "High Tenacity outdoor" UV resistant? 1000 yard?

May just bite the bullet..

[osage outlaw]

I think it's braided.  Here is the big spool I just bought.  I was getting small spools at walmart.  The big spool is a much better value.  It will last me for years and years.