snaking question

[DVSHUNTER]

Where can I find a good article on backing a selfbow with snakeskins?

[bubby]

go to the how to, there's a build along there

[DVSHUNTER]

I just checked it out and it leavesd me with a few questions like how much do I scrape off the scales?  How for around should I wrap the limbs? Do I need to rough up the surface of my selfbow first or will the glue hold to it as is?

[pappy]

I rough the surface a little and put them on with TT3 be sure to get all the air pockets out as the glue is drying,I just keep working my way up and down pressing torward the outer edges.After the skins have dried I take a soft rag and buff down the limb the way the skin is laid.I put the head at the riser and the tail
at the tips the buff from head to tail till no more scales come off.Then I use tru oil to seal,I put a coat on and let it dry overnight and buff lightly with 000 steel wool and repeat till it is smooth,depending on the skins it will take 4 to about 10 coats to get them smooth.Hope this helps.O ya be sure to buff the tru oil from head to tail also.
   Pappy

[DVSHUNTER]

Thanks pappy I might try it today.  What do you use to trim the skins, can I roll the skin over the edge of my limb and use a fine file to finish the edges?

[Dano]

Some use a file, I use a rubber sanding block with 220 paper, you don't want to take a lot of wood off when you sand the skins, if you hold the file or sanding block at a 45 deg. angle to the edge, it works pretty good.

[Tommy Leach]

Another trick I learned from Brad Merkel to remove scales is after the skin has dried; wipe it down with rubbing alcohol (back and forth). The alcohol gets under the scales and as it evaporates it causes a slight pressure increase, thus loosening the scale. I then take a piece of masking tape and put over the skin. Rub the tape down so it makes good contact and peel from tail to head. This will generally remove 80-90% of the scales. Just repeat as needed to get them all off. It also helps to get into the sunlight to see any scales that don’t come off. I also do as Dano to "cut" the edge of the skin with the back.
Tommy
Oklahoma Selfbow Society - President

[Eric Krewson]

I like duct tape for removing scales, lots more stickum than other tapes.

 

[Pat B]

That's cool, Eric. You can see where the scales are left on the skin with your trick.

[pappy]

I have had duct tap tear the skins if they are
the really thin ones.I use a fine file at a 45 like Dano said to trim the edges.
   Pappy

[Dano]

I've seen that too Pappy, guess we shouldn't use the 100mph stuff. 4/0 steel wool will remove the scales pretty good too, just rub lightly with the scales.

[DVSHUNTER]

wow thatnks for the advice. I still haven't tried it yet, I'm really worried I will mess them up!