Snakeskins over sinew

[Will B]

I sinew-backed (2-layers) an Osage recurve with hide glue 6 weeks ago. I decided to apply some snakeskins over the sinew. I applied a layer of TB III and let it dry, then put a light coat of TB III on with the rehydrated skins and wrapped with ace bandages.

How long would you recommend I wait before shooting this bow?  Thanks for your thoughts.

[superdav95]

Not sure how thick your layers are and how long you waited before applying second layer but here is a basic rule of thumb for dry times between layers.  The thicker the layer laid down the longer dry time essentially.  Curing time is more still.  Depends too on climate but I’d leave it a good 5-6 months here where I’m at.  Below was provided to me when I was building a sinew bow.  Best of luck on your build. 

1 mm thick  - 2 weeks
2mm thick - 4 weeks
3mm thick - 9 weeks
4mm thick 16 weeks
5mm thick - 25 weeks
Drying times = thickness squared.

[bradsmith2010]

I think a few weeks is ok,,
if you string it and the tiller looks off,, then wait another few weeks,, as stated just depends on where you are at,,

[Will B]

Thanks Superdav95 and Brad

[Mafort]

lay it out in the sun for a few hours each day. i usually have sinew dry in 2 weeks time and my bows are usually highly reflexed from it in this period. the wind and heat from the sun help alot. Tightbond needs 24-48 hours when applied to snake skins and over sinew. lay it in the sun for a day or two and allow it to cool and they should be good to go. thats what i usually do and ive had no issues.

[Will B]

Thank you Mafort!

[BowEd]

It's up to you Will.I usually don't put a snake skin on till it's tillered and shot in over a few weeks.

[Will B]

Thanks Ed. I tillered this bow and shot maybe a hundred arrows out of it. It held the tiller so I went ahead with applying the snakeskins. Bow shoots good and the skins turned out nice.