sinew backed bow

NCHillbilly

Administrator
Staff member
Hide glue is what you want. I have used Knox gelatin from the grocery store on a couple-three with good results, it's just finely refined hide glue. And yes, the sinew backing will add considerably to your draw weight.

Be sure to degrease the back of the bow good before you start gluing the sinew on. Sinew backing is a lot of work and a very messy process, but it makes a good bow. The only gripe I have with sinew-backed bows is trying to keep them from soaking up too much moisture and turning into wet noodles here in the humid southeast.
 

dtala

Senior Member
knox gelatin is what I use. last bow I did was 45# before sinew, 52# after it dried, and very quick. Backstrap sinew is what I used.
 

Nicodemus

The Recluse
Staff member
Yea, mix 3 envelopes of Knox unflavored gelatin with a half cup of cold water, bring it to a boil and let it cool a little, and you just made a batch of hoof glue.

If you like you can even use flavored jello. :D
 

NCHillbilly

Administrator
Staff member
Mighty easy to make your own hide glue.

Yes, it is, if you have the materials. A few hide and sinew scraps and some water and a heat source, and you're good to go.
 
Top