Questions about skinning a bow???

[Wary Buck]

Alright, I think I have everything (including the great tutorial published here in '09 by MSwickard) needed to start this "first time ever for me" project--except maybe the confidence.  But I think a pair of WY rattlesnake skins (from TGer Tracy Villwok) are going to take my 'Green Machine' Pronghorn takedown to another level.  But...

Just as I'm getting everything ready to go, and while I'm trying to figure out just where to make the cuts on the skins, I'm starting to see the scales flake off the skin.  I know this is supposed to be a part of the process anyway so was not initially worried about that (although in reading the tutorial, he worked the scales off AFTER gluing the skin on).  What I am surprised by, is how much color the skin seems to lose as these scales are flaked away.  

Is this normal?  Does some of the color come back (coming through from the other side of the skin?  Should scales be coming off prior to glue-up?  I really do NOT want to botch this project.  Or am I worrying about something for no reason?

And probably a really stupid question, but do the scales have to be removed?  I have a bow given me by the late Dennis Schuler, a rough bow he made himself and covered with bullsnake skins and the scales are clearly still on that bow.  Just curious about this last question.

I would appreciate input from those of you who've skinned your bows before to put my mind at ease.

[RM81]

I would glue the skins on first and then use masking tape to press and peel the scales off.  From most of the stuff I've read, it's best to take the scales off before sealing/finishing.  Once you get the scales off and some finish on there, the color will come back.  Here's how I did mine but I'm certain there are other ways that work just as well.
  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=104823  
I skipped the CA glue step due to mixed results with others trying it.  Probably depends on the type of CA and finish used not working well together.  It's easier than you think.  Just do it and post the results with anything that might help the next person to try it.  Good luck.

[Dirtybird]

If I remember correctly ur limbs are light green?  The color if the limb underneath the skins will effect the color of the skins.

[Bjorn]

If you don't remove the scales they will often stand up over time giving your bow that fuzzy look that you probably won't find too appealing. The limb color has a lot to do with the final appearance of the skins and people do paint limbs to get the skins looking good. Yes a lot of the color can get lost so it helps to get really good skins from a reputable source.

[Shedrock]

I thought I gave Bryce good skins. I skin right away, then tack to a board, flesh with a spoon, and let dry.

Is that the proper way? I had heard tanning skins with a solution is no good when you want to glue to bow limbs.  

[YORNOC]

Tanned skins are fine unless glycerin or similar is used in the tan. It will interfer with adhesion. I have skinned many limbs with tanned hides(glycerin free) with great results. Dried are a better bet, just make sure they are clean, fully dry and no longer bleeding any oils. The bigger the skin, the more fat/oil it will hold. Washing with a quality dish liquid then FULLY rinsing can help this. Different species of snakes have different chemical makeups....the same application does not apply for ALL snakes. Try applying a raw sea snake with Titebond or even epoxy sometime.  Turns black/greenish and wrinkles up. Will not adhere.  Rattlesnakes are fairly easy, as are copperhead. The thinner skin snakes are easier to apply. Bigger and thicker take some experience.

[Wary Buck]

Tracy, skins looks great--and those younger ones have a nice, tighter pattern that should show up better on the thin limbs of the Pronghorn.  I owe you big time.

I went ahead and did a light coat of black on the limbs before gluing up to hopefully get a darker look when finished.  The skins are glued up now and drying.  While still wet, the scales on the one snake came up pretty easy; the other one's not letting most scales come off without a bit of a fight.  We'll see.

Afraid maybe I put on too much glue as I've got a mess in here, but figure the masking tape should come right off at the proper time and the excess dried glue should come with it.  Tricky part might be trimming.  

You know how there's the old adage:  measure twice, cut once?  Well, I'm more like, measure twice, think about it, change my mind, measure again, change my mind back, measure once, no measure again to be sure, think some more, and then finally go for it.

So when the glue's on and the snake skin's being applied, I'm a wreck.    

I'm also a packrat.  What should I do with decent size trimmings.  Seems a waste not to put the skin on something.  Ha.

[Shedrock]

You owe me nothing Bryce, just glad to see your getting them put on. I'd sure like you to post a pic when complete.

As far as your trimmings, maybe some wraps on arrows? Then shoot a monster Cornhusker whitetail!