Author Topic: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?  (Read 3836 times)

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Offline Aaron H

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What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« on: October 24, 2014, 11:10:22 am »
I am preparing to start my first sinew backed bow and I would like to hear from the experts which glue you prefer and why.  I understand there are several different glues you can use. I don't really care which is the easiest or most available, but rather which glue performs best.  I understand a lot of this is just personal opinion, but I trust those of you who have done more than a handful of sinew bows.  Where are the sinew experts? Any exceptionally good sinew build-a-long links would be appreciated also.  Thanks guys.

Offline Pat B

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2014, 11:24:17 am »
I think hide glue is the best option for sinew backed bows. It is more compatible with sinew being they are made from the same thing, protein...and a few thousand years of use make it a proven method.  Others have used TB glue with sinew but I doubt you get the full potential of the sinew with it.
 My recent post about "Gidget" has a build along for adding sinew to a bow but I wouldn't call it exceptional.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline bubby

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2014, 11:26:21 am »
Patm has a great how to sinew post
failure is an option, everyone fails, it's how you handle it that matters.
The few the proud the 27🏹

Offline Aaron H

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2014, 11:35:06 am »
Pat B, I have been watching that build a long, I think that it is great example, and I can't wait to see her all finished up next to her sister.  The hide granules are the direction I was leaning, but I kinda wanted to put it out there and get a general consensus.

Offline Pat B

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2014, 11:41:10 am »
Knox unflavored gelatin is basically refined food grade hide glue. It should work just fine as a substitute for hide glue.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Aaron H

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #5 on: October 24, 2014, 11:49:18 am »
When it comes to granulated hide glue, which gram strength is best for sinew bows?

Offline Pat B

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2014, 11:53:03 am »
I have no idea. I think you are trying to over think it.  ;)
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Aaron H

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2014, 11:56:02 am »
I have been accused of that once or twice before.  :D
Like my Dad has always taught me, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right!

Offline Aaron H

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2014, 12:03:11 pm »
Bubby, I did a search for PatM's build-a-long but couldn't find it

Offline jeffp51

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #9 on: October 24, 2014, 12:26:19 pm »
Not too long ago I saw a how-to here that invoved sinew backing and wrapping with old bed sheets that produced beautiful results.  I don't remember who the original poster on that was, but if someone does, it would be great to bump it back up--it would be perfect for what you need.

Offline Marc St Louis

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2014, 01:29:39 pm »
The bloom strength of hide glue is important when making a horn bow but not so much so for sinew.
Home of heat-treating, Corbeil, On.  Canada

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Offline 4giveme

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #11 on: October 24, 2014, 01:36:12 pm »
God bless and thanks,
Tommy

"There are only two things we can't change, yesterday and tomorrow. So let's live in the moment and make the best choices we can right now."

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Offline Aaron H

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Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
« Reply #12 on: October 24, 2014, 02:57:22 pm »
Thanks Tommy,  That is a really good how to.