Sinew attempt failed

[ionicmuffin]

 So my first sinew attempt failed. I had the knox gelatin jelling up way too fast and it got all over in clumps and was a big mess. I cleaned off the bow, but im not sure i will have enough sinew to try again. I don't really know why it failed but i assume it was partly due to not having the gelatin heating while i used it. that paired with the fact that i might have made it too thick and the sinew wasnt very fine.

[osage outlaw]

The glue needs to stay warm.  You should be able to soak the used sinew in water and clean it up so you can reuse it.

[Pat B]

What Clint said! 

[Bryce]

Graham, there are alot of build-alongs and tutorials on backing with sinew I highly suggest finding one that has good illustrations that are easy to follow. And follow them to the letter. Then you should have no problems getting a good backing layed down:)


http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,36617.45.html

[paulsemp]

get a crock pot and make a double boiler I'm sure you can find pictures of someone doing that. you are able to control the heat very easily with that system and add water to the glue when needed. having the glue at the proper viscosity is the key in my opinion

[BOWMAN53]

Graham, there are alot of build-alongs and tutorials on backing with sinew I highly suggest finding one that has good illustrations that are easy to follow. And follow them to the letter. Then you should have no problems getting a good backing layed down:)


http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,36617.45.html

"toot toot" -Bryce (pinecone)    lol

[Bryce]

Gordon, patB, pearly, and alot of others have then as well this one was the only one I had bookmarked and could easily copy and paste.

One of many

And I think you mean beep beep

[osage outlaw]

I use a hot plate with a pan of water on it.  I sit my glue bowl in the water and keep it on low.  For me, that has worked the best for keeping the glue the right temperature.

[BowEd]

I waiited here but noone mentioned you can get a candy thermometer[Wal Mart] to see exactly how warm it is.In a general way if you can't leave your fingers in there it's tooooo hot.If it's gelling slightly it's toooo cold.Keeping it at 110 to 115 degree fahrenhite is just right.That's with pre water soaked sinew too.The more you work with the stuff the better you will get.Presoak your glue granuals 1 hour before heating it too helps it dissolve quickly.Having the consistency of thin syrup.You'll get it.Keep trying.

[MWirwicki]

I use an electric fry pan with a pyrex dish inside it that contains my hide glue.  I also use a candy thermometer to keep an eye on my temp. 

[DuBois]

Hey Muffin, I am relatively new here and I am impressed with your skills as a bow maker. You can obviously tiller and design good bows that are real nice to look at too. I have sinewed 3 bows and the sinew part went pretty good for me but I don't think I am up to snuff on tillering or some other areas.
I would rather have your skills at tillering than at sinewing and I am sure you will get this nailed down and then be rockin out some awesome sinew backwed bows.
Keep going, Marco

[ionicmuffin]

Thanks guys. I'm sure that I can get it right I just did not have a good run. Ill set up a double boiler and use a thermometer to keep temp.

[Pat B]

Check out my "56"sinew backed osage static recurve" post. It has some info in it. You will see the crock pot I use. $5 at GoodWill. I fill it half full with water and float a stainless steel pan it it with the glue in it. If it gets too hot I will unplug it and it will stay hot enough for quite a while.

[BowEd]

That's my routine exactly like Pats.

[Pat B]

Cheap, simple and it works, Ed.