Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: jermcramp1 on April 10, 2012, 10:03:51 pm

Title: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: jermcramp1 on April 10, 2012, 10:03:51 pm

I am making a snakey hick bendy handle, 56 ttt, 1" wide all the way through until the last 8" where it tapers to 1/2". I am looking for 50+ at 28", sinew should be fine right? or silk?

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: rileyconcrete on April 10, 2012, 10:21:11 pm

I would use sinew.  Just my personal preference though.  Love the way sinew works.

Tell

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: Gus on April 10, 2012, 11:50:05 pm

I Vote for Sinew!!!

:)

-gus

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: Boofus on April 11, 2012, 12:48:50 am

Sinew, with mildly "flipped" tips to reduce the stack some.

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: jermcramp1 on April 11, 2012, 11:27:41 am

Gotta get to shreddin then...

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: jermcramp1 on April 11, 2012, 12:23:27 pm

Hey boofus, I thought hickory didn't hold flipped tips or induced reflex well?

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: mikekeswick on April 11, 2012, 12:53:48 pm

If you leave the tips a fraction thicker than the working limbs they won't pull out. Or leave them a bit thicker still and then you will have room to narrow them more - this will help with performance.

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: killir duck on April 11, 2012, 01:29:00 pm

if you sinew it after you flip the tips you shouldn't lose much if any reflex/recurve

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: Pat B on April 11, 2012, 02:26:02 pm

If you use steam to reflex the tips it should hold better than using dry heat. I would seal the area to be steamed with shellac to pervent the stave from taking on any moisture. The shellac can take the heat and moisture from the steam. The shellac is easily removed with alcohol.
  I have a 57" sinew backed osage with flipped tips. It pulls 55#@26" and could have been heavier.

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: Gus on April 11, 2012, 04:51:15 pm

Pardon Y'all,

I have a question along these lines as it pertains to Steaming.
Is shellac preferable to tung oil for sealing the stave prior to steaming?
Will tung oil work?

I've seen both referenced for use in this manor and find it confusing.

Thank You,

-gus

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: Pat B on April 11, 2012, 06:06:39 pm

Gus, shellac is not affected by heat or moisture. I don't know about tung oil but I would kind of doubt it though.

Title: Re: Is there a thing as too thin for sinew?
Post by: Gus on April 11, 2012, 06:51:16 pm

Good Deal.

Thank You Sir!

-gus