sinew backing

[jmar595]

I put some sinew on my bow a couple weeks ago using Knox gelatin. The sinew is fairly bumpy as the glue has dried up a bit. I was going to put more gelatin on tonight over it, so that I could smooth it out.
 My question is, will this work to smooth it out, or should I use Tightbond III for better water proofing? I am going to put copperhead skins on after it all dries completely. If I did use Tightbond III would it affect the sinew curing?
 Also, how long as a rule of thumb before I can think about putting the skins on? I've heard a couple of weeks to about three months. I know it varies with humidity and whatnot.

[Pat B]

I usually give a month per course of sinew for drying time. You can fill in the uneven areas with more sinew. Once it dries you can sand it to smooth it out. I use hide glue for the skin also. I like the way it "sucks" the skin to the sinew. I usually add 5 to 6 layers of Tru-Oil as a finish and spray satin poly over that to cut the shine.
  If using Knox for the skins you can add the skins any time but be sure it has plenty of time to dry before sealing it. The skins will impede the drying process some.
 TBlll is compatible with sinew/hide glue(Knox). If you do want to use it as a sealer I'd give the sinew plenty of time to dry before adding the
TBIII.