Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Harry L on July 13, 2016, 11:20:07 am

Title: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
Post by: Harry L on July 13, 2016, 11:20:07 am

Hi folks, just recently joined the forum and I have a question. I have a self bow I built that I had to sinew back to get the weight up to hunting specs. It has settled in at approx 50#'s @ 27.5". I would like to get it up a bit more and wonder if I could flip the tips by heating with a heat gun or hotplate. BTW the bow is backed with bull snake skins.

Would the amount of heat needed to flip the tips damage the sinew/snake skins?

This bow has been finished for several years.

Any advice will be appreciated!
Harry

Title: Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
Post by: Fred Arnold on July 13, 2016, 11:36:35 am

From my experience any heat (steam or dry) that is hot enough to allow you to bend the limbs will ruin your sinew  backing. Not worth the effort IMO. You may end up having to refinish the entire back.

Title: Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
Post by: bradsmith2010 on July 13, 2016, 11:38:38 am

you could splice some recurves on it,, or shorten it a bit,,

Title: Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
Post by: wizardgoat on July 13, 2016, 12:29:29 pm

I wouldn't risk ruining the bow, just build a new one!

Title: Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
Post by: Harry L on July 13, 2016, 01:05:37 pm

Fred, I was afraid of that!  Brad, I don't think the additional pounds are worth the trouble to rebuild the back. 50#'s is a good weight for deer.

Wizardgoat, I think leaving it alone and building another one is the best bet too!

Thanks or the input guys.
Harry