Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bigcountry on August 15, 2009, 02:28:50 am

Title: Copperhead skins
Post by: bigcountry on August 15, 2009, 02:28:50 am

I got a pair of copperhead skins.   And holy cow, they are thinner than paper.  Downright delicate if you ask me.  Does this sounds right?  I never seen a set of skins so thin.  I am wondering if I got the real thing.

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: FlintWalker on August 15, 2009, 05:24:13 am

They're real ;)
 That's what I like about them.  Real easy to get a good finish over 'em.

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: adb on August 15, 2009, 09:49:12 am

Yes, if they're just dried, they're very thin. Which is what you want. Tanned hides are thick like leather, but don't work for backing bows. Glue on your skins with TB3 and they'll look great. They're actually tougher than you think, but they will rip if you get too rough.

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: Pat B on August 15, 2009, 09:52:07 am

Copperhead skins are very thin.   When you apply them you don't have to wrap them with anything. Soak them, remove the excess moisture, add glue to the bows back and skins, lay them down, remove the air bubbles and excess glue and let them dry.

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: bigcountry on August 15, 2009, 10:27:48 am

Thanks guys.  They are pretty.  I know I put on a set of canebrakes and that stuff was like leather.  They were dried, I can see how copperhead may be easy to apply. 

I wonder how much a set of 30" skins can stretch when wet?

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: Pat B on August 15, 2009, 11:38:43 am

Don't stretch them or they will tear, especially when wet.. Lay them down, work out the bubbles and excess glue and let them dry!  ;)

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: bigcountry on August 15, 2009, 12:22:02 pm

Pat, you probably just saved me the skins.  The guy I bought them from said I could stretch em another few inches when wet.  I am glad I asked this question.

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: Pat B on August 15, 2009, 12:42:08 pm

I posted a pic for you on TradGang(bowyers Bench) of a guava bow I made with copperhead skins a few years ago. This is on a self bow and not exactly what your application is ( ;) ) but it might help with the coloration thing.
   

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: Pat B on August 15, 2009, 12:43:57 pm

...also, if the skins are not long enough, as with my bow, a simple thread wrap set in super glue, makes a good solid termination.

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: Dano on August 15, 2009, 01:05:16 pm

Here's a method I like if the skins are too short.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/dlgren/Archery/Bows/snakeybow008-1.jpg)

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: FlintWalker on August 15, 2009, 01:38:10 pm

Here's another version of what Dano does, only with copperheads.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Title: Re: Copperhead skins
Post by: bigcountry on August 15, 2009, 04:19:12 pm

Nice pictures.  I kinda like the sinew look but not the weather resistance.  Thanks again.