SNAKESKINS in the cold weather

[2wfstlhunting]

Can anyone give me information about how well skins on my bow will hold up in cold weather (like around freezing= 32) in in wet weather?

[AkDan]

I've seen a few sets up here but not very many.  None of them had major issues other then age on the one I can really remember.   Have seen a few since then....but dont know the shooters other then passing by kinda thing...sorry not much help but I'd bet with good glue you'll be just fine.

[BUFF]

I have not had any problems with mine.

[ksbowman]

I have had problems with mine bubbling up and loosen.I've gone back over them a couple of times.Thinking maybe they needed to be sealed I even sprayed them with three coats of Deft satin polyurethane,but it didn't help.Someone else put them on, so I'm not sure if they used the right glue when they installed them.The ironic thing is when I bought the bow I really didn't care for them,but once I started to like them they started to lift.  Thanks,  Ben

[yleecoyote23]

If applied properly (limbs prepped, right glue, etc) then finished with a good flexible finish they will hold up in any weather that the bow will hold up in...

FYI- I use TiteBond III because it stays flexible and sticks to the limbs and skins like a widowed mother in law sticks to your guest room...  

There are some REALLY heavy duty finishs out there, but since I don't have access to a spray rig or booth I can't use some of the fancier ones that some of the bowyers use, but I have found that Spar Urethane works very well and provides a very good finish and seals and protects the skins...

[Tim Schoenborn]

I have had mine out in extreme cold for hours on end........

I have never had any issue. I would say it really depends on who does the skins and the method they use.

Mine are all Dave Windauer applied and they are flawless.

Bob Morrison seems to be the go to guy with skins. You might want to give him a shout. I hear he is a stand up guy who always helps out.

Tim

[Bowmania]

Cold weather - 32 I'm laughing and can't type.

[Guru]

Last year I drew my 'Tip back in my garage after it had been up in the attic for the last month or so. It was very cold, first draw......about 5 cracks right across both limbs. This one had prairie rattlers/titebond II, and was finished with Helmsman poly......

This year while drawing my new KS in the predawn darkness to loosen up...same thing happened....it was about 17 degrees....this bow had another set of rattlers/contact cement, and was finished with T'Bird epoxy!

I have my main bow "Timex" all ready to go out with me Thursday. I put on a new set of copperheads this summer, glued with TBII, and finished with T-Bird.  I'm almost afraid to see what's gonna happen.   But it's already showing signs of separation between the finish and skins.


 My skins are installed in a very meticulous manner and look perfect when first done. So far every set(4) i've put on bows have failed in one way or another. I wonder if it's because I stretch these little 56" Kwyk Styks out with my 28+" draw.
But the 'Tip is a 60" bow.

Anyone have any ideas?    I can get some pix to show what I'm talking about if it'll help.....

[Killdeer]

Curt, they are separating because they need to get into their little crevices to hibernate. Let them go their torpid ways 'til spring.

Sorry. I don't know, either. The skins on my ACS haven't shown any ill effects from freezing weather. Then, I didn't use it in 17 degrees, either. Brrr.

Killdeer

[Scott Smith]

Curt,
  I have had the same results Titebond 2 it
was my problem when used on glass bows.
I know several
guys on here swear by it, but it isn't for me.
3m spray adhesive is the best I've used. It
is scary at first but it's a BOND instantly!
good luck,
 Scott

[Orion]

I second yleecoyote.  I do my own skins.  Use titebond two or three and either Helmsman or Varathane polyurathane.  The key is limb preparation, good gluing and finishing.  Been doing this for more than 20 years and have never had skins come off.  Have often hunted in below zero weather for days on end, though I do unstring my bow and put in the truck/ house/cabin at days end.  Have never had any problems with my skins cracking, peeling or otherwise coming loose.

[Diamondback59]

iv put on about 45 sets of rattle snake skins, on the bows i make and sell   i use tite bond 3  and finish it with thunderbird iv shot my own  backed bows at -10-15 below  never have had one come off best thing i can recomend  is befor you put anything on the back  is whipe it down with acetone and make sure no oil is on the skins the bow back or  ur fingers  all it takes is a teeny bit and plms apper  good luck

[Guru]

These skins are sticking fine....one with contact cement(better bond,but hard to get perfectly straight),and one with TBII(easier to work with). And yes they where prepped well and wiped down with what was recommended by T-bird. But they are still showing a separation between the skin and t-bird. We'll se tomorrow if the copperhead bow cracks in the cold weather....

I did buy the T-bird used off the classifieds.....

[NightHawk]

get ya some skineez looks good and you won't have the separation problems