sinew-backing question

[richardzane]

just backed a hackberry with hide glue and leg tendon sinew from two bison we butchered. its now drying.

ok my question to y'all with sinew back experience:
...some small gaps formed when the sinew dried .. Is there a recommended filler in those crevises other than tiny bits of sinew
and more hide glue? has anyone tried TB3? or any other filler that takes limb flex?

appreciate any thoughts!

[Pat B]

I would add more sinew to the gaps. It will become part of the backing.  TB glues are compatible with hide glue/sinew but it will only be along for the ride even though it will fill the gaps.

[PatM]

I posted this a while ago in the hopes of helping out those who struggle with the  vagaries of sinew backing.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,43246.0.html

[richardzane]

great info PatM,
good to actually see what you're doing

didn't think about wrapping it to compress it all together...makes sense.
you mentioned you wouldn't leave a sinew back bow without some covering, thin rawhide or other
What would be a reason other than "looks" ?
If i did decide to rawhide back over the sinew , how important is it to get any air pockets out of gaps between sinew ?
it would be hide glue laid down first, then a rawhide strip just a tad wider
and be wrapped with the same cloth strips?