Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Calamitus on January 08, 2013, 08:47:16 pm
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In the absence of sinew, what kind of thread could I use for wrapping arrows for reinforcement or for fletching?
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I use heavy outdoor coat thread. I get it at walmart for around $5 a spool. It is very strong.
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a lot of people use artificial sinew
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I make my own from Indian Hemp, grows everywhere and is easy to process into fine fibres.
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I use half silk thread and half sinew, depends on my mood that day, or if Im after a certain color scheme. Silk thread is pricey, but last for a long time and is strong.
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i have just used black cotton on my arrows and coated them with fletching glue and they have never moved and the arrows have been well used. i used this as its all i had at the time.
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I've soaked the hemp cord that crafts stores sell for jewelry in 50/50 TBIII and water for wraps on my bamboo (garden stake) arrows and on the wood ones I just made I used artificial sinew. Have to say that as far as the making goes I prefer the sinew. It's prewaxed and pretty cheap. Haven't shot it enough to know how durable it is yet.
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I use braded fishing line.
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Depending on how primitive you want to go, you can use natural material, modern thread, of which there is a great abundance of choices. Personally, I am with Osage Outlaw, I prefer the upholstery thread at Wally World, or craft stores with a cloth section. I have also used colored rayon, and nylon thread, it is small, and strong. Also Power Pro small diameter fishing line works well also. Basically, any small diameter, and strong thread. Even regular cotton thread will work in a pinch. I coat them all with a layer of super glue. It adds a bit of protection from wear, and water proofs the cotton thread. You can also use the thread, that is used to wrap custom fishing pole guides. They come in various colors, and some come in multiple colors on the thread itself. You can make some nifty crests on your feather, and nock wraps. Also helps to locate a lost or "missed shot" arrow. ;)
Wayne
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unwaxed dental floss
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I use serving thread soaked in super glue. Then I coat it with clear nail polish. I've never had an arrow last long enough for the wrappings to wear, but then I tend to be reckless with my arrows while practicing. >:D
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silk floss from the embroidery store
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i use artificial sinew. Strong but doesnt hold glue very well is the only downside.
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x2 on the dental floss.
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Some very good ideas, thanks all.
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unwaxed dental floss
x2 on the dental floss.
X3 unwaxed dental floss
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As you can see, just about anything will work. I started w/ denim jean thread, yellow stuff, because it was strong. It'll all work if it's strong enough that it does not break as you are wrapping it tight. Then I use Gorilla super glue or Duco to coat the wrappings with. It's pretty easy to obtain real sinew on the Trading Post page of this site as well. Thats my favorite, when I use real sinew I seal w/ pine pitch varnish, dry pitch mixed w/ alcohol. Takes a bit longer to dry, but works great and is homemade, maybe not primitive, but home made. Good Luck, dpg