Primitive string

[b.glass]

I have in my possesion a....

GROUND HOG RAWHIDE!!

Exciting isn't it.

I've read that it was used by native americans. I was wondering if anyone here has ever tried it and how much poundage the bow can be for such a string.

I plan to make the string and then make a bow to fit the string.

[ChristopherO]

Taint never used whislepig hide for string but once made a finger tab out of a hide of them critters that was tougher than all git out.

Have fun with this project and hopefully someone can give you a pointer.  Paleoplanet.com may be a good source of info.

[b.glass]

Thanks Chris. I need to check out the books I have too. I know they made some pretty hefty bows back in the day. I may try some lighter wt. bows then go higher and see what happens. Starting with maybe 30#.

[walkabout]

never heard of the rawhide but ive heard of intestines being dryed and used. they are certainly tough critters so it might turn out pretty well. you could always cut a thin strip and do a break strength test with a simple rig, thats what i do when im uncertain

[walkabout]

ive seen alot of conflicting info on native american archery, some sources say that they made monster draw weights and others say they made them around the 35-50 lb range. i figure theres probably alot of diferent examples of diferent ranges so theyre all right in some way. sure wish i had the knowledge that was lost with the generations of my family, both my grandfathers were 100% native, would be great to pass on the knowledge of the tribes. good luck with the string though, looking forward to hearing how it turns out.

[Pat B]

I have heard that groundhog was one of the best materials for strings but have never made one. A few of the guys on PA have though. As far as weight limits I know the Cherokee had war bows pulling close to 100# and I would guess they used groundhog or squirrel over plant fibers for strings but only a guess.

[Jesse Peltan]

Cut a 1/16 in strip and pull it till it breaks.  Measure the strength.  Now take your draw weight times 5 and divide by the breaking strength of the strand and you'll get the number of 1/16in strands you need for the string.

[walkabout]

yea ive read that alot of native americans used plant fibers for the base too, probably because most plant fiber doesnt stretch. id guess the groundhog or squirrel over it would be to help keep the fibers together, and add some strength in the process. i would wonder whether the rawhide would stretch though if it got wet.

[b.glass]

Further research shows that a sinew string is better than rawhide. (Not my own research but what I've read). So the rawhide string will definitely be put on a lower poundage bow.

[Shaun]

Here's my guess from using rawhide for snowshoe webbing... I would cut the rawhide 3/8 to 1/2 inch spiral for the longest possible strand. Soak in warm water and it will stretch out long and about 1/8 inch wide. Make a twisted cordage from this wet and then let it dry stretched between pegs. One end looped and the other a bowyers knot. Rawhide and sinew strings must be kept dry.

Ground hog is THE toughest leather. It was used for the best laces.

[b.glass]

Shaun, I'm thinking a certain amount of waterproofing can be obtained by coating the string with wax or something. But would still have to be kept dry to insure it survives.

[walkabout]

ive been doing some research and smoking the rawhide may give it some resistance to moisture, much like it does to leather in the brain tanning process. after that its pretty much up in the air, some say hide glue some say shellac or varnish to waterproof rawhide. We know hide glue isnt waterproof, so thats probably out of the question. shellac or varnish im not so sure of, it may make the string very stiff. wax would probably work well if you use a piece of leather to rub it in, getting some friction heat to make the wax melt into the pores.

[b.glass]

That's what I was kinda thinking walkabout. I will definitely try wax.

[walkabout]

im excited to hear your results, i can get about as much groundhog as i want,lol