Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Capt on September 28, 2013, 12:22:08 am

Title: Got my snake skins from the ranch.. Advice needed!
Post by: Capt on September 28, 2013, 12:22:08 am
Edded up tut ranch an picked mi up mi skins this aft..... (i can spell thats just typing in Yorkshire Speak)

I traded with a ranch buddy of mine a 2 gallons of Gas for his konked out truck and 500 pesos ($40) for 9 rattlesnake skins a Mountain Cat skin and a Badger.... :o

Dont know what to do with the badger and the cat?....maybe string silencers? i'm sticking the rattlers on my newly finished bow.....

What a pain trying to keep the air from under the skins... they were a bit crusty so i soaked em in water for about an hour before i started but they kept wanting to raise in certain spots because of the contour of the back of the bow... i devised a method that got me through but would love some advice from ya-all....?

Advice on what to do with a Cat and a Badger wouldn't be bad either? :embarassed:

Here are some Pics, i'll post finished pics tomorrow... ;)
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: bubby on September 28, 2013, 12:54:00 am
I wrap my skins with an ace bandage, are the skins dry, if not fold them flesh side together wrap them up and put them in the freezer till you figure it out or stretch them and get them dry
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: Capt on September 28, 2013, 01:06:34 am
What do you all think is best to finish the skin? another coat of TB III over the top or just wipe it down with oil?
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: adb on September 28, 2013, 01:09:18 am
Rub the scales off first with your thumb, or use your fingernail GENTLY. Rub towards the tail (tip). I use a wipe on polyurethane to give them just a hint of gloss, so they look 'alive.'
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: 4dog on September 28, 2013, 02:28:43 am
 Cat and badger,, Make a quiver or two.
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: Dances with squirrels on September 28, 2013, 06:20:27 am
I made a Lakota style side quiver with a badger skin... feet and claws still on it... leather and rattlesnake skin strap... deer antler buttons..... turkey feathers, etc.
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: JonW on September 28, 2013, 06:53:55 am
For future reference, tack the snake skins down to a board with thumb tacks while drying. They will lay flat that way when you rehydrate them before gluing down.
Definitely try a quiver with the badger and a bow sock with the cat.
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: danny f on September 28, 2013, 08:17:16 am
looks like some nice stuff you got. where abouts in yorkshire you from im from lancashire. i take it you dont live there now?
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: Capt on September 28, 2013, 11:19:56 am
It seems to have come out pretty we'll but definitely some good advice for next time... i'm thinking of the quiver idea for the other skins... i have some raw hide too.....

Probably going to save the badger or cat for making string silencers... Thaks adb for the polyurethane advice... wouldn't TB III work in the same way?
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: Mad Max on September 28, 2013, 12:38:01 pm
NO GLUE on top of the skins >:D ;)
Title: Re: Just Got my skins from the ranch.... Check
Post by: Capt on September 28, 2013, 05:05:24 pm
So what's the verdict on a finish to put on my snake skins?

I have had a few suggestions so far:

#1, nothing, leave them bare.

#2, oil - I have hemp oil

#3, polyurethane, I have TB polyurethane adhesive.

#4, yacht varnish.

Votes on these or any other suggestions much appreciated...
Title: Re: Got my snake skins from the ranch.. Advice needed!
Post by: TRACY on September 28, 2013, 05:52:41 pm
Tru oil. Rub on 3-4 coats and call it good.  Quivers! Use beaver,muskrat or mink for string silencers. Those hides would make better quivers than silencers. ;)

Tracy
Title: Re: Got my snake skins from the ranch.. Advice needed!
Post by: H Rhodes on September 28, 2013, 06:21:40 pm
Tru oil. Rub on 3-4 coats and call it good.  Quivers! Use beaver,muskrat or mink for string silencers. Those hides would make better quivers than silencers. ;)

Tracy

X2!  polyurethane has worked well for me too.
Title: Re: Got my snake skins from the ranch.. Advice needed!
Post by: Capt on September 28, 2013, 11:58:44 pm
i couldn't find tru oil so i went for the polyurethane.......

about to apply a second coat..... it's looking real good.... will post when its done!!
Title: Re: Got my snake skins from the ranch.. Advice needed!
Post by: chamookman on September 29, 2013, 04:32:48 am
I'd be making a Hat out that Badger hide for sure ! Bob