Cordage Wrap

[PAWannabe]

Hey all. I have a ignorant question for you. I want to wrap a bow's joints with cordage, hemp or jute, but need to know what I should use to attach it? It's a horse bow. Should I glue it down? Barge cement? Do I just wrap it and tie it? What knots? Help Thanks!

[Papa Matt]

For this I love to use hide glue, either homemade or bought from the hardware store in bottle form called Liquid Hide glue. Spread a thin layer of glue over the entire are to be wrapped and then wrap it tightly. I do this to put on handles, or wrap any part of the bow. Just tuck the ends of the cordage and you're done.

~~Papa Matt

[PAWannabe]

Thanks for the info.

[TRACY]

You might want to try something that is waterproof like Titebond 3 or at least seal the cordage to keep out moisture if using hide glue.


Tracy

[Papa Matt]

What I usually do is wrap with hide glue and just seal the ends where the cordage is tucked in with Titebond.

~~Matt

[Pat B]

I have been using hemp cord from Wally World. I wrap the handle like serving a string, with the ends tucked under. On my newest yew bow I sealed the bow with bear grease so I left the handle wrap unsealed for aesthetic reasons. Generally I will add a coat of Massey finish over the hemp wrap to seal and water proof it.
   Massey finish is 2 part epoxy mixed and then thinned with acetone. I make it quite watery so it soaks into and through the hemp wrap. You won't have to worry about moisture and even in foul weather you can get a good, firm grip on this kind of handle wrap.       Pat

[Papa Matt]

Yeah, I use the Wally World hemp also. Good stuff. Just don't ever try to make a bowstring out of it. I could never keep one from snapping at brace.

~~Matt

[Don]

Like others I use Walmart Hemp. Wrap it like you would serving the string. [real tight]
Then using a heat gun to worm the cordage and melt pure bees wax into it. Has a real primitive look.
It can be a little cores on the hand but works real well.

Don

[bcbull]

 I USE THE WALLY WORLD HEM  BUT I USE BARGE CEMNT TUCK IT LIKE THE OTHER DO  HAS ALWAYS WORKED FOR ME   BROCK

[PAWannabe]

Thanks for the great advice.

[Pat B]

When wrapping a handle always wrap in the direction your fingers point. That way you won't loosen the wrap when you grip the handle.         Pat