Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Aaron H on October 24, 2014, 11:10:22 am

Title: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Aaron H on October 24, 2014, 11:10:22 am

I am preparing to start my first sinew backed bow and I would like to hear from the experts which glue you prefer and why.  I understand there are several different glues you can use. I don't really care which is the easiest or most available, but rather which glue performs best.  I understand a lot of this is just personal opinion, but I trust those of you who have done more than a handful of sinew bows.  Where are the sinew experts? Any exceptionally good sinew build-a-long links would be appreciated also.  Thanks guys.

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Pat B on October 24, 2014, 11:24:17 am

I think hide glue is the best option for sinew backed bows. It is more compatible with sinew being they are made from the same thing, protein...and a few thousand years of use make it a proven method.  Others have used TB glue with sinew but I doubt you get the full potential of the sinew with it.
 My recent post about "Gidget" has a build along for adding sinew to a bow but I wouldn't call it exceptional.

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: bubby on October 24, 2014, 11:26:21 am

Patm has a great how to sinew post

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Aaron H on October 24, 2014, 11:35:06 am

Pat B, I have been watching that build a long, I think that it is great example, and I can't wait to see her all finished up next to her sister.  The hide granules are the direction I was leaning, but I kinda wanted to put it out there and get a general consensus.

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Pat B on October 24, 2014, 11:41:10 am

Knox unflavored gelatin is basically refined food grade hide glue. It should work just fine as a substitute for hide glue.

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Aaron H on October 24, 2014, 11:49:18 am

When it comes to granulated hide glue, which gram strength is best for sinew bows?

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Pat B on October 24, 2014, 11:53:03 am

I have no idea. I think you are trying to over think it.  ;)

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Aaron H on October 24, 2014, 11:56:02 am

I have been accused of that once or twice before.  :D
Like my Dad has always taught me, if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right!

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Aaron H on October 24, 2014, 12:03:11 pm

Bubby, I did a search for PatM's build-a-long but couldn't find it

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: jeffp51 on October 24, 2014, 12:26:19 pm

Not too long ago I saw a how-to here that invoved sinew backing and wrapping with old bed sheets that produced beautiful results.  I don't remember who the original poster on that was, but if someone does, it would be great to bump it back up--it would be perfect for what you need.

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Marc St Louis on October 24, 2014, 01:29:39 pm

The bloom strength of hide glue is important when making a horn bow but not so much so for sinew.

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: 4giveme on October 24, 2014, 01:36:12 pm

hi here is pat m's sinew post hope it helps...

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,43246.msg580831.html#msg580831

Title: Re: What glue do you use to sinew back your bows?
Post by: Aaron H on October 24, 2014, 02:57:22 pm

Thanks Tommy,  That is a really good how to.