Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: osage outlaw on May 14, 2020, 09:49:54 pm

Title: gluing snake skins
Post by: osage outlaw on May 14, 2020, 09:49:54 pm

I put some skins on a bow tonight.  I took a few pictures of the way I do it.  I put painters tape on the sides of the limbs to make the glue cleanup easier.  I start with a thin coat of TB and let it dry. 

(https://i.imgur.com/iauUGxL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QDceZoq.jpg)


I rounded the front of my tip overlays so I cut the ends of the skins to match the shape

(https://i.imgur.com/2oTP1Vg.jpg)


I soak the skins in water for a few minutes to soften them up.  I hang them up for a while to let the excess water drip off.  I put a thin coat of TB glue on the limb and then start laying the skin from the nock end towards the grip keeping the pattern centered on the limb as I go.

(https://i.imgur.com/5lEsSoN.jpg)


I use roll my finger or thumb slowly down the limb to squeeze out any air bubbles or pockets of excess glue.  I do this probably 4 or 5 times down each limb to make sure it's good.

(https://i.imgur.com/djssLmw.jpg)


Sometimes the sides of the skins will dry faster and cause it to curl up and pull away from the edge of the limb.  I make cuts on the extra skin to allow it shrink without coming off the edge.  This really helps around handles and recurved tips.

(https://i.imgur.com/C6QiyRg.jpg)


The trimmed tips fit decent

(https://i.imgur.com/EyWargV.jpg)


I'm not sure if I'm putting a wrap on the handle of this bow.  I matched the ends up on the grip in case I leave it bare.  The pattern almost worked out perfectly. 

(https://i.imgur.com/TlzvWI9.jpg)


It's done.  I brought it inside the house to hopefully dry faster tonight.  It's pretty humid outside with rain predicted.  I'll post some pictures of how I clean up the edges tomorrow.

(https://i.imgur.com/BXEDInM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0xLvEEo.jpg)

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: BowEd on May 15, 2020, 05:18:36 am

Good tutorial Clint.Thanks for showing.
It's kind of the fun/final look part of bow making.Cow horn overlays?

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: bjrogg on May 15, 2020, 05:23:35 am

Looks great Clint. Must be a pretty handle if you’re thinking about leaving it bare.
Bjrogg

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: Aaron H on May 15, 2020, 06:34:00 am

Good tip on making slits down the sides Clint.  Beautiful skins

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: Will B on May 15, 2020, 09:38:02 am

Those skins look great. Thanks for taking the time to show the steps for getting the skins to look great

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: dylanholderman on May 15, 2020, 10:33:45 am

as someone who has never backed a bow with snake skins this looks great  :)

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: Hans H on May 15, 2020, 01:01:29 pm

thanks for sharing that, never tried before
Hans

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: DV IN MN on May 15, 2020, 02:06:35 pm

Clint,

Looks great. Great tip on the edge cutting. Did you leave the scales on the skin?

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: Weylin on May 15, 2020, 07:22:23 pm

Good tutorial, Clint. Thanks for sharing. That'll be a looker when it's done.

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: osage outlaw on May 15, 2020, 10:22:42 pm

I remove the scales after it's dry. 

I take a smooth file and hit the edge of the limbs to cut a clean line.

(https://i.imgur.com/ak66z9G.jpg)


The tape makes cleaning up the extra glue very easy.

(https://i.imgur.com/HKfpoXq.jpg)

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: JW_Halverson on May 19, 2020, 09:24:07 pm

Among your many fine features, Clint, your commitment to excellence in your workmanship is amazing.

Title: Re: gluing snake skins
Post by: loefflerchuck on May 19, 2020, 10:54:47 pm

Thanks for the tips Clint. Good idea with the tape. I used to always use hide glue, but I only have used snakeskin over sinew and the wet skin and hide glue mean the bow tiller will not be fine for at least a month. If I'm in a hurry I use TB and dry snakeskin.