Got the sinew on today and ready for it's 10 day dry period. Only seven pics so here is how I do this part.
1. I lightly scuff the back of the bow (dry) and then rub the bow's back down with a wet finger. I check this in the "glare line" of the overhead light. I'm looking to see that the surface of the back has accepted a complete even water stain ( if the water sticks then so will the hide glue.
2. I use my finger to apply a good coat of hide glue and cover the back with a fairly heavy coat....let that jell up till it wont stick to your fingers.
3. I use backstrap sinew on my bows. The ones you see on the towel in front of the box Are the ones that I soaked until good and soft, and then wiped off any excess water. I then take a piece of sinew and completely submerge it in the hide glue and as you remove it I use my thumb and finger to wipe off the excess.
4. I lay these back straps starting at the middle of the bow and going toward the tips. Usually there will be six pieces used. Three in the first layer then 2 then one. Once the first layer is on it gets another "good coat" of glue over it, then repeat for subsequent layers.
5. I put the bow up for about an hour or so untill the sinew has jelled up (jelled to the touch)
6. Next step is to wrap the bow with "bandages" made from torn bed sheets. Start in the middle and wrap like a barber pole out toward the tip and pull it tight, then come back down the same limd wrapping in the opposite direction. I let this sit wrapped up for 5-6 hours
7. I now very carefully un-wrap the bandages to see if everything is laying down well and everything looks well bonded to shape. If you are not satisfied at this point, remove the still wet sinew, wash it, and start over.
The last pic is after the bandages come off....the small white threads are NOT stuck to the bow. I just leave them untill the sinew is starting to dry well and then carefully unwind the "ravels.
That it set aside for 10 days in a dry room.
Heres the pics...any? please ask.
rich
