sinew questions

[GaryR]

About to start fletching, so, I'm pounding & tearing sinew.
1. Should I even bother with the short pieces(3 to 4 inchers)?
2. Should I moisten it to make it easier to seperate?

[Pat B]

1) No     
2) Not necessarily. ...but I think you can.

[gstoneberg]

Gary,

I only use back sinew with fletching wrapping and shred it dry.   I don't use anything shorter than 6" on wraps.  I do use shorter pieces on bow backs.  I use the longest pieces to do the spiral wrap through the feathers, I want that all to be one piece.  Come on by and I can show you.

George

[paulsemp]

a sinew rake can come in handy. it is just a board with nails coming though 1/8 to 1/4. I do not know a link to one maybe someone can help. but it can destroy the tendon. 3 to 4 inch pieces can be bundled for little fill-ins on bow backing.

[GaryR]

Should I save the short pieces for backing at a later date?

George, if we go hunt hogs the 28th maybe we can work on fletching during the day? That sinew you gave me is what I'll use, its the longest I have. 

[gstoneberg]

I would save short pieces for later.  If I just gave you leg pieces, wait till we get together and I'll bring you some back sinew.  It should look like this:



The back sinew is basically a flat sheet, but often it curls up like the one in the picture.  Notice how long it is.

George

[GaryR]

I don't have any that long. The one's I have are 10 to 12 inches.

[gstoneberg]

Can you wait till the 28th or do you want me to mail you one?   George

[GaryR]

If you don't mind, I'd love one mailed. This bug is eating at my brain and I want to satisfy it sooner than later. Do you already have my address?

[gstoneberg]

Better PM it to me.  I don't see it.  George

[Dazv]

those shot bits can be joined together with a square knot to make a long piece.