Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Taxus brevifolia on January 06, 2019, 01:18:15 am

Title: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: Taxus brevifolia on January 06, 2019, 01:18:15 am

If so, how'd it go

Title: Re: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: Pat B on January 06, 2019, 06:16:27 am

Bows can be backed with tanned skins but IMO, the tanned skin can act like a sponge and absorb moisture. I've done 1 or 2 over the years but greatly prefer dried skins.

Title: Re: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: upstatenybowyer on January 06, 2019, 06:26:36 pm

What Pat said.  :)

Title: Re: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: Taxus brevifolia on January 06, 2019, 06:38:13 pm

Thanks guys

Title: Re: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: gutpile on January 07, 2019, 11:57:02 am

only way to do it is soak in dawn hot water for a few hours ring out well.....rinse well then let air dry like regular skin... tanning does bring out the color on some ... my prettiest skin is a tan timberback..looks awesome.. gut

Title: Re: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: Pat B on January 07, 2019, 03:30:31 pm

Depends on the tanning solution. If antifreeze is used, yes what gutpile said, basically that is just a cure and not tanning. But if chrome tanned or other commercial tanning solutions is used what I said applies.

Title: Re: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: vinemaplebows on January 07, 2019, 05:36:14 pm

Soak in acetone, strips them well.

Title: Re: Anyone ever tried backing with a tanned snakeskin, rather than just dried?
Post by: Taxus brevifolia on January 08, 2019, 06:20:43 pm

This time of year they're harder to find, so I ended up buying a couple dried ones. Quite nice.

The reason I asked is, snakeskins of all types are readily available online, but they're all tanned.