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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: workin at it on May 20, 2009, 01:04:00 PM

Title: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: workin at it on May 20, 2009, 01:04:00 PM
Am new to backing a selfbow. Is processed deer backstrap sinew as good as leg sinew for backing a selfbow?
Jim
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: bigcountry on May 20, 2009, 01:08:00 PM
I thought back sinew would be the cats meow.  But the long pieces of greater than 10" are hard to work with.  I even considered cutting them in half.  But then I started thinking, I will need the long stuff later for wrapping tips or things.  

I mixed it on a bow with leg and back.  I did one layer with back and two with leg.
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: workin at it on May 20, 2009, 01:23:00 PM
Yeah, Thinking about cutting them in half too. Do you think back sinew is as strong as the leg. Should be huh??
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: Pat B on May 20, 2009, 01:31:00 PM
Sinew is sinew. I usually save the longer stuff(back) for wraps but on my next project, I will be using back sinew.
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: workin at it on May 20, 2009, 01:34:00 PM
Thanks Pat
Answered my question. I knew it wouldn't take long on here. Appreciate the quick response guys.
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: Mike Byrge@home on May 20, 2009, 02:06:00 PM
James,
The Louisiana Traditional Bowmen's Primitive Rendezvous is scheduled for the June 6th weekend just north of you at the Mt.Bayou Lake Boy Scout Ranch.  They'll be lot's of bowmaking, etc. going on.

Regarding the sinew...I prefer the leg sinew because it is easier to seperate into fine strands.
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: bigcountry on May 20, 2009, 02:09:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by workin at it:
Yeah, Thinking about cutting them in half too. Do you think back sinew is as strong as the leg. Should be huh??
IMO, which is a very unexperienced opinion, I find back sinew stronger if you compare equal strand to equal strand.  Just the leg usually will have finer stands.
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: workin at it on May 20, 2009, 02:21:00 PM
Mike,
Am in the Indian Ocean @ this time on a survey vessel, won't be able to make the rendezvous. Will be working until July. Really hate to miss it. Am a relatively new to trad. Made a couple of bows and now have the fever.
Title: Re: Backstrap sinew vs leg tendon sinew
Post by: workin at it on May 20, 2009, 02:22:00 PM
bigcountry,
Thanks, will definately give it a try.