How would sinew affect a bow with a little set

[stuckinthemud]

I have a 48" stiff handled bow, it has 1/2 inch of set but is a little under weight. Two courses of sinew would put it over weight by about 5lb. Re-tillering will remove a tiny amount of the damaged wood, but presumably most of the compression damage will remain. If I do it right, I can pull in a few inches of reflex so sinew plus reflex should make a big difference? Is it worth doing now I've already put set into the bow?

[Pat B]

48" is pretty short for a stiff handle bow. What draw length and weight are you planning for this bow?
I don't like using sinew to repair an already stressed bow but I don't know what to say as far as what the results will be.

[stuckinthemud]

Its 30 @ 22 at the moment, which is more or less where I want it to be but tiller isn't perfect so if I keep chasing tiller I'll lose a couple more. pounds. Between 30 and 35 @ 23 would be the ideal.  Part of me wants to see how much more snap I get with sinew but it may be too late to go there?

[Pat B]

It takes a lot of time and effort to sinew back a bow. If it is worth it to you, go for it. I would reflex the bow 2" to 3" while adding the sinew and as it dries which could be a couple of months, depending on the R/H in your area.
 You could add a belly lam or a hard backing to achieve your goal and it would take only a few days.

[Eric Krewson]

Bamboo is a magic backing as well.