Sinew Bowstring Technique

[BowEd]

Thanks for sharing this jackcrafty.I've done some of this in the past.I'm impressed with yor prep work on your sinew before twisting.Cutting off hard ends and getting consistently thick strands.Amount of water used,and amount of weight used.Someone wanting to sinew a bow would benefit from this too.Makes a big difference on the outcome of the job.

[JackCrafty]

Phil, there are a few guys out there who make sinew bowstrings for sale.  Be prepared to pay about $1 per inch.

Sometimes there will be an ad in Primitive Archer Magazine for sinew bowstrings and such but I haven't seen one lately.  I can't put direct links to non-advertisers here but I know Colgrovebows might have some.  I don't know any others off hand.

You could try starting a thread in the Trading Post section and trade someone for a bowstring.

I would make one for you but I'm swamped right now.

[JackCrafty]

Thanks Beadman!  Glad to see that this old thread is still useful.  I've got some youtube vids on this subject too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmZibFv1Si8&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLCB1D0FA9FE0BFB7D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfPmv1IuvqA&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLCB1D0FA9FE0BFB7D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtAw1z12dDc&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLCB1D0FA9FE0BFB7D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5dxWVv3Eos&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLCB1D0FA9FE0BFB7D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06eaHFQGkiM&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLCB1D0FA9FE0BFB7D

[BowEd]

jackcrafty.....I too am a bit maticulas about my sinew prep work.Especially for sinewing bows.Makes for a very nice efficient use of the sinew with very little sanding if put on correctly.I personally use fast flight string because I shoot a lot but can appreciate your attention to detail and devotion.People think I like working with sinew and I tolerate it well but what really drives me to use it is the quality of performance and durability it has.To me it's some magical stuff.Thanks for the you tubes they'll be fun to watch and learn from.

[JackCrafty]

Ed, I use fastflight too (on my hunting bow).  I'm thinking of making a sinew + fastflight string.  Maybe 75% FF and 25% sinew.  The sinew will be just for looks, of course.  I'm thinking it will be durable enough for hunting in bad weather but still look "real".  What do you think?

[BowEd]

I've never been a fan of trying to decieve anybody.Kind like trying to hide a lamination of clear FG in a natural materials bow ai'nt it?But do what you want.Your far too dedicated and accomplished of a craftsman to go that route.Guess I'm talking principles here.I can get on a soap box once in a while.Sorry.
There is a gray line though in the rules of judging BOM.Just so the operating parts of the bow are all natural I guess is the bottom line.

[JackCrafty]

Yeah, it's also like soaking the tip of an antler pressure flaker in super glue, using an acrylic binder for natural pigments, adding a drying agent (japan drier) to boiled linseed oil, flake-over-grind (FOG) arrowheads, and lots of other things.

I have to admit that I've given in to the temptation many times...   


But probably not this time.  Just a thought. 

[BowEd]

Yes I heard one fella say to me as soon as your drive your truck to the edge of the woods and start your chainsaw up you are not primitive no more......LOL.I don't agree with it that far really though.

[JackCrafty]