Handle wrap ideas please.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Thanks Razor, much appreciated. I think the para cord will work nice on this one and I'm actually looking forward to trying it.
Maybe we can work out a trade sometime for some leather, I've always got stuff to trade.

I've been in Michaels before and I'm like a kid in a candy store believe it or not. It ain't all just for women, lots of cool stuff in there. We do have a few of those around maybe it's about time for another visit?

[monterey]

Semo, I did one like don showed off.  Very nice Don!  

I used some very thick white cotton cord or string.  I bought a spool of it at a garage sale.  When pulled tight it's about 1/8" diameter.  Anyway, I wet it good and wrapped the handle.  After dry I gave it several soaking coats of Water based polyurethane.

But, it stayed white, so the TB3 method might be a better approach or you can die the material before application.  I do the same thing on the little kid bows I make only use conventional weight cotton string.  They seem to be holding up.  All in all, I like the look of Don's a bit better than mine.

[Art B]

As far as any wear on the skin Chris, you would have to first wear off a finish, and a coating of glue before you ever get down to the skin. That's not likely to happen. Or it hasn't to the ones I've done.

But for irregular shaped handles, I really like leather lacing for wrap myself........Art

[Lee Slikkers]

Chris, if you want to go with the para-cord you can always thin it down by pulling out the core.  it will lay flat (I've ironed it before and it will hold a crease nicely) so you can wrap it up snug.  then either a TBII or Superglue seal to keep it in place.  Heat a knife and hot burn the ends at an angle and tuck them under the last one or two wraps.

Love to see a pic of whichever you decide.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Good tip Lee, I've got some short scrap pieces that I can try that with and see what it looks like then decide if I want to do the entire handle with it, but right now it sounds like a winner. I'll post pics of the bow when I'm done with everything. Just got 3 coats of Tru Oil on the snake skins and the rest of the bow. I figure about 2-3 more coats and I'll call it good, then wrap the handle and she's ready to rock doc!   :cool:    

[Johnny_Cash]

I had a funky shaped handle that I couldn't get a wrinkle free leather wrap installed on so I used rubber.  I cut a tire innertube into a 1/2" wide strip and tightly wrapped it around the handle.  It sounds ghetto but it actually looks and feels really good.  Also helps insulate from cold and dampen vibration... and the best part?  It was free!

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Oh yeah, I'm all about free! I recycle, reuse, rebuild, and I ain't above dumpster divin' if there's somethin' good in there that I can use.

Man that's a nice bull in your avatar there Johnny. I envy you all who live out west and get to hunt elk. We are trying to get a population started here in Missouri, but it's doubtful that I'll ever get to hunt one here. By the time the draw starts there will be so many names in it that my chances will be like hitting the Powerball.

[Johnny_Cash]

Thanks Semo. Born and raised in Colorado and been infatuated with elk (and mulies) ever since I can remember.  I'm definitely lucky to live where I do.

[Art B]

I remember someone posting about using the spray-on bedliner for a grip Chris. Going to try that myself, but can't remember to pick up a can when I'm out. It's on my list though........Art

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Yep I also read that and saw a pic of it, turned out really nice from what I remember. Mask off where you don't want the stuff sprayed and then layer it on as thick as you want. I'll have to do a search on it.

Found it!
 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=100547

[Art B]

I don't have any high dollar bows myself, so would work perfect for me! I get tired of stetching and gluing on leather grips. I like to simplify as many thing as possible. End results is what counts anyhow............Art

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I agree completely Art, I don't have any high dollar bows either. That's the main reason I got into building my own, can't afford a custom bow unless it's my own.

[Rainshooter]

http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/31771/Bow-Handles-Gallery?page=1       some here to look at.  

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Boy that guy that paints snakes and other stuff on bows is phenomenal! What an artist, I wish I was that good.

[Rainshooter]

I think he just broke a flight shoot record with that skeleton bow on the same thread too. ya he is definately an artist. makes ya wish to have atenth of some of these guys talent.