I love it when we finally start getting our 110+ degree days here in AZ.... There's no better time for sinewing......The glue stays at a good working temp without any effort and sets up quick enough to allow easy blending and working of the sinew.... This bow is the Ferret Friendship bow I featured on this tillering build along....
"Ferret Friendship Bow: Finessing a Tiller" The Elk sinew I'm using was prepped in Javie camp a couple of years ago by Mike Westvang, Rusty Craine,George Nagel,Bobby Hunziger, and Mickey himself....these folks are true Compadres and made naming this bow easy.... Meet "Compadre"
I prepped the bow and am following the same process I've outlined on my site the Bowyers Workshop:
Bowyers Workshop: Sinewing a Bow I applied the first course of sinew Yesterday and let it set overnight....
Here's a pic of me set up ready to apply the second and final course:
Here's a picture of the bow after the final course is applied.... I've feathered the sinew towards the tips allowing room for overlays and also toward the sides to allow for the rawhide backing I will apply in a couple of weeks to protect the sinew from moisture.Feathering the sinew to the sides and leaving a bit of wood to apply the rawhide edge to creates a seal for the sinew. Also note how the edges of the bow have been rounded off before sinewing. This is important as sharp edges will sometimes lift a splinter as the sinew shrinks:
In couple of weeks I will apply the rawhide backing. The bow will be in my garage during this time.... With temps here hitting 110 pretty much daily my garage becomes a natural heat box.... Arizona was made for sinew..... :D Terry