Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: JRuner on December 02, 2009, 10:40:48 pm

Title: Is bacon grease good for water proofing hide glue?
Post by: JRuner on December 02, 2009, 10:40:48 pm

would a monthly coat of bacon grease water proof hide glue from picking up enviromental moisture?

Thanks,

John Runer

Title: Re: Is bacon grease good for water proofing hide glue?
Post by: yazoo on December 02, 2009, 10:55:41 pm

I dont think I would use bacon grease, because of the smell, might attract unwanted critters,

Title: Re: Is bacon grease good for water proofing hide glue?
Post by: mullet on December 02, 2009, 11:30:08 pm

 It works, but like Mike said, roaches tend to like it. And I imagine a bear or two might also.

Title: Re: Is bacon grease good for water proofing hide glue?
Post by: Pat B on December 02, 2009, 11:36:58 pm

Fat is fat so theoretically it should help some but the smell and salt and sugar content might be a problem. An oil finish has to be reapplied frequently to get max protection. An old woodworkers adage for an oil finish is(on wood furniture)...once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year and once a year after that. With a coat of paste wax before each hunt should help also. You can not eliminate the moisture that is absorbed from the atmosphere but you can slow it down.
   Jay Massey used French polish on his sinew backed bows; shellac and linseed oil hand rubbed in multi layers. Later he used what we refer to as Massey finish; epoxy thinned with acetone or other solvent.

Title: Re: Is bacon grease good for water proofing hide glue?
Post by: El Destructo on December 02, 2009, 11:58:43 pm

I have never used Bacon Fat...but I have used Pork Fat....of of Butt Roasts....and it worked well after being rendered down...