Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Cloudfeather on June 29, 2013, 11:12:54 am
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This is my first shot at making hide glue. I simmered scrap sinew and tendon cases for about 4 hours, then reduced it for another hour or so. This is what I've got. I cut it into little gelatin squares and set them on paper towels. Do they look about the right color? Also, do I have to keep drying and reducing the size or can I put them in a container and freeze them? I've heard mixed ideas so I just wanted to see what everyone thought. Thanks.
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Howdy, It looks good to me. If you're planning to use the glue anytime soon, I'd just freeze it. Once fully dried it will store well in a bag on the shelf, but will take longer to use, as it will need overnight soaking, before being heated up. Ron
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Thanks. Yea, I plan on sinew backing a bow with it within the next week or two. Can it be frozen or stored once it's reheated if you keep it under 140? Or is it a one shot kinda deal?
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It can be reheated a few times without losing strength. I heat it in a cool whip container in double boiler fashion, then when I'm done and it's cooled, I put the container in a 1 gallon ziplock freezer bag and put it in the freezer until next time.
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Make sure it doesn't stick to the paper towels as it dries.
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Good air flow is the key to drying it well. Next time heat it for around 10 -12 hours to get the most from your scraps but keep the temp low.