Sinew question

[Simmental]

I am planning on backing the bow I am working on right now with sinew. I saw that 3rivers has leg sinew in bags of one or two pieces. How many pieces will I need to back a bow? (60"ttt btw)

[aaron]

sorta depends on how thick of a backing you'll want and how long the sinews are. I'd say a minimum of 5 or 6 leg sinews if the sinews are long . I ordered leg sinew from them and was surprised at how short the pieces were- I didn't even use 'em- they were only about 5 inches long.

[beetlebailey1977]

Yeah they don't harvest it fully......it can be up to 16" long or so when you get it all.

[Pat B]

Check out the "Trading Post" here on PA. I'd bet you can get a better deal there on sinew form someone that knows how to harvest it to its maximum.

[Gus]

Yes Sir,

Trading Post is a good way to go.

My white tail leg sinew averages 9 to 11 inches in length.
The white tail back sinew can be up to 20+ inches long..

Following the volume of sinew used to back a 60 to 65 inch bow with two to three courses of sinew.
I have been seeing folks use 4.5 to 5.5 ounces of processed sinew per bow.
For me that has been working out to 4 to 5 Back sinew per ounce.
Or 3 to 4 Leg sinew per ounce.

You typically get more strands of sinew out of Leg sinew.
However you get more waste, and the strands are generally shorter.
Not to mention that Leg sinew is more work. 

I have some leg sinew available for trade.
And some Back sinew...

-gus