Author Topic: Heat Bending sinewed bows.  (Read 1193 times)

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Offline Harry L

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  • Posts: 2
Heat Bending sinewed bows.
« 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

Offline Fred Arnold

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  • From up on Munson Creek
Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
« Reply #1 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.
I found many years ago that it is much easier and more rewarding working with those that don't know anything than those that know it all.

Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2016, 11:38:38 am »
you could splice some recurves on it,, or shorten it a bit,,

Offline wizardgoat

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Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2016, 12:29:29 pm »
I wouldn't risk ruining the bow, just build a new one!

Offline Harry L

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  • Posts: 2
Re: Heat Bending sinewed bows.
« Reply #4 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