Has Anyone Taken Skins Off a Bow & Reused Them?

[tippit]

I have a special bow for me...one of Bill Matlock's personal bows that has Cobra skins.  The bow is now too heavy for me and I'd like to reduces the weight...but to get enough weight off I'll need to grind glass off on back & belly.   Ruining the Cobra skins would ruin the bow.  

Question:  Does anyone have experience in removing skins and being able to reuse them?  tippit

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[Hud]

That sound like a risky job for a pro, not knowing what type of glue he might have used.  I would call Ted Fry at Raptor, he might have an idea. Check his website for hours, or leave a message.

[Orion]

I've taken skins off by sliding a single edge razor blade under the skin.  However, that sometimes misses the little edges that might be rolled over a tad on either side of the limb.  I've managed to remove  the full length of the skins, but not quite the full width.  Never felt they were good enough to put back on another bow.  On the other hand, if you take some material off the sides of the limbs, there might be enough skin width to do it.

Maybe there's some way to do it with solvents of one sort or another.

Those sure are beautiful skins.

[tippit]

I'm thinking a solvent to loosen and peel with a surgical blade...can't be as difficult as the eye surgery I used to do  

[NYRON]

Tippit, I tip my hat to your great attitude, perseverance, and talent!

Many people in this world could learn a lot form you.

As for the snake skins...I have tried it without success.

Are you able to narrow and trap the limbs enough to get the weight you need without needing to grind anterior and posterior glass?

[Ted Fry]

Jeff, it can be done but it really depends on the type of adhesive used with the skins.
Dont bother to call as I know you cant hear but feel free to email [email protected]

[4runr]

If he used a water based glue, you might try a sponge with hot water, and as you start to lift with the razor, sponge hot water in-between. I would NOT use any type of solvent!!! It would be impossible to not get solvent on the laminations, thus destroying the bow.