Finishing snake skin glue job...

[huntelk]

I just finsihed glueing skins on my laminated longbow. I used an older how to that I got on the this site....What glue (super glue?)should I use to touch up the edges of the skins and what poly should I use to finish off the skins (varathane?)

Thanks

Steve

[bbassi]

Steve, some folks recommend a thin CA glue, but from my experience with glass bows you don't really need it if you did a good job with the wood glue. As a matter of fact I've only seen 2 skin jobs that have ever failed, and both were because of the CA (IMHO). They both cracked in a spiderweb pattern under the finish when the owner drew the bow in really cold weather.

As for finish Poly, I'm partial to Helmsman Spar Urathane. The finish holds up great, but takes a long time to cure properly, like 2 to 3 weeks at times. I usually brush on 6 coats, sanding every other coat, and then spray 2 or 3 coats of satin once I'm satisfied with the smoothness.

One other thing. Use SHARP razor blades for trimming the skins. A 10 pack of blades is like $1.29 at Wally World. I usually use all 10 per bow.

[BrianO]

I've been watching the skinning treads for some time tring to get the nerve up to skin my bow.  One question; What is "CA" glue? Thanks

[rbbhunt]

Super glue

[gwhunter]

CyanoAcrylate
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanoacrylate

[Bob Morrison]

I got a lot to learn.

[larry]

I don't know about how much you've got to learn Bob, but one thing you've got is well kept secrets  

[Flatshooter]

 
 
 
 
 
 
Here are some pics of my recent project on a Horne longbow. Used the thin CA after glueing skin with Tite Bond 111. Four coats of CA with light sanding between each coat. After 36 hrs used Spar Urathane spray. Four light coats with steel wool after each coat.

[Flatshooter]

Double click on each photo and then maxiize for close ups