Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: Long Arrow on March 16, 2009, 01:33:03 pm

Title: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Long Arrow on March 16, 2009, 01:33:03 pm

I have wanted to make a sinew string for a while.
The thing that daunted me the most was not knowing how to
splice in new lengths to make up something as long as a bowstring.

There was a program on about a lady making boots out of
reindeer hide. All she did was overlap the sinew ends and
rub/twist them together on her leg.

Now this was just for sewing.
Still,she was not gentle when drawing
the thread through holes in the hide.

She made this look easy which may only
have to do with how expert she was.
It was a pleasure to see her work.

Can anyone tell me how or point me towards a pictorial on.
making a sinew string? Can I get away using cow sinew?
How long must the lengths need be?

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: gutpile on March 16, 2009, 02:48:45 pm

when making a sinew string you flemish twist it..you will have to splice in extra pieces to get it the length you want..just add to your strands to keep them the same thickness and reverse twist this locks in your splice.then just keep going till you get your desired length ..make a loop on your top and timber hitch your bottom....cow sinew should be just fine...gut

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Long Arrow on March 16, 2009, 03:53:19 pm

Thanks gutpile.
I have made flemish twist strings from dacron,
linen,silk and jute. I would like to make one from
sinew and then horsehair.

I guess it is time to collect more sinew. :)

LongArrow

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Little John on March 16, 2009, 10:57:18 pm

There is a build along in the how to section. If you can make a flemish twist string you are half way there. Get some back strap sinue and seperate into indivigual threads and start twisting. I like to use two plies of about five or six threads each and keep the ends staggered. when you add a splice just lay a new piece in the ply and twist in. The end can stick out a bit and will be nipped off later. The trick is to get the right thickness and an even uniform product. if you make a mistake just back up and recycle your sinue and nothing lost. I soak the sinue threads for a minute in water  before twisting. I made a kindof decent one the first time and a pretty good one the next time.    Kenneth

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: adb on March 17, 2009, 12:02:14 am

Hi,
I reccomend you read Jim Hamm's book: "Bows and Arrows of the Native Americans," it has an excellent chapter on making sinew strings. Actually, it is one of the best descriptions on twisted string making I've seen.

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Little John on March 17, 2009, 10:46:10 pm

Cool, that is good to know. I will add it to my collection.    Kenneth

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Long Arrow on March 17, 2009, 11:28:21 pm

My biggest challenge now is to get the sinew.
I will either have to do some trading or talk to my butcher.
He mostly deals in hogs and not all that many of them.

I would rather trade for some longer pieces as the less
splicing there is the better chance for success I will have.

You know it looks like a lot of fun.

The endless loop I made out of silk and without a jig was hilarious. ::)
At least I was laughing afterwards.  :D

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Pappy on March 18, 2009, 08:42:46 am

Thought it might get more looks and replies here. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Little John on March 18, 2009, 08:59:00 am

You can get sinue thru Mike Yancey @ Pine Hollow Longbows and maybe Three rivers . You might also check in the advertizers section of this board.

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Pappy on March 18, 2009, 09:43:51 am

One more option,you can kill something and take it. ;) :) :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Long Arrow on March 18, 2009, 04:38:27 pm

One more option,you can kill something and take it.   
   Pappy QUOTE

REPLY:Thats what I need the string for. :)

LongArrow

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Pappy on March 19, 2009, 08:08:14 am

 ;D ;D Hadn't thought of that.  ;)
   Pappy

Title: Re: How do I braid a sinew string.
Post by: Long Arrow on March 19, 2009, 04:18:45 pm

Jocukarity aside,the only game I have gotten so far is some grey squirrels.  >:(
I got tired of the meating the corn I laid out at my deerstand. :'(
Fun challenging shooting and tasty too. :)  ;D

I di almost get shot out of my treestand. :o
Does that count?  ::)