Dipping/ sealing arrows with snake skin wraps

[carpsniperg2]

Hey guys I am new to sealing my own arrow shafts.
So I have a few questions about this.
I am going to be doing so real snake skin wraps on these arrows. Should I wrap the arrows and then seal them or seal them and then put the wrap on them and seal the wrap?

Also since I am new to this. How does the spray can finish turn out comapred to dipping them in like a dipper tube?

I did a few searches and saw a few people have done them but not seen what order they were done in so I wanted to ask.

Thanks guys!

[Dirtybird]

I would put the skins on last then spray them with some kind of urethane.  Very light coats on the skin.

[carpsniperg2]

Thanks for the info. That is kinda what I have been thinking.

[Cookus]

PM Guru (He's a moderator here)... He wrote an article for TBM on this subject and I'm sure he could answer all of your questions.

[Mike Vines]

You mean like this?

 

Or maybe something like this?

 

[Mike Vines]

I dip then I do all my cresting and wraps, then dip 2 times more over the top.  I use a water based polurethane.  

Make sure to remove every little scale, or you will be very dissatisfied with the results when you are done.

[LC]

Ok so is there a old thread of how to do on this. I have a copper head skin I'd love to do a wrap with!

[Cookus]

Cool arrow Mike! What's the clear behind the copperhead and... How in the heck did you attach it?

[carpsniperg2]

Yeah just like that!!! Thanks mike!!!

I would have never thought to remove the scales!
Glad you posted. Do you just yank them out with tweezers or something?

[Mike Vines]

Mostly by rubbing your fingers together with the skin between them.  Then use blue painters tape to remove the rest.  Lay down tape, the peel from head to tail, so as not to tear the skins.  I use titebond glue to put the skin on.  Plan on some test shafts to get it right.

[lpcjon2]

Originally posted by Cookus:
Cool arrow Mike! What's the clear behind the copperhead and... How in the heck did you attach it?

X2 once again you amaze me with the talent.

[snakewood3]

I glue them on then finish with tru oil. I do not like a thick finish, makes them look too "plastic".

 

 

 

 

[carpsniperg2]

That's a lot of great info guy's! Thank you very much for the pic's and the info.

[Mike Vines]

I have found that rattlesnake skins are to thick to get the slim look I like.  To each their own though.  

Awesome looking arrows there Charles.  

If you are lookin for a skin supplier, Snakewood3 is who I buy mine thru, and I have nothing but great things to say about him and his product.

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by lpcjon2:
 

Originally posted by Cookus:
Cool arrow Mike! What's the clear behind the copperhead and... How in the heck did you attach it?

X2 once again you amaze me with the talent. [/b]

I could tell you, but where would be the fun in learning?  If you want to know, just be the highest bidder when I donate the next one to an archery related fund raiser, and I will walk you thru the whole process, and believe me, it is a big process.

[snakewood3]

You got to use itty bitty rattlers Mike, and, thanks for the positive note there.

[Mike Vines]

You never told me that before Charles.       Well, keep me in mind the next batch you get, although, I REALLY like the cottonmouth and water mocassin skins.  Right now, they are my 2 favorites.

[carpsniperg2]

I saw that arrow at pbs at least I think it was yours. I think it was called waterproof maybe?

I have a couple sitting around for the job. I do like the copperhead skins as we do not get them here and might look for some of them later. I am wanting to do some really special arrows to use my hand knapped stone tips in to hunt with. I can make great knives but still working on arrow heads they are a little more tricky for me to get perfect.

[Mike Vines]

Yes, that was mine.  It's name is Waterford.

[carpsniperg2]

Gotcha I knew it was water something lol.

Thanks for the help. I picked up some really cool shafts from the pbs event. They are the laminated birch. They are a light and dark grey color. I cant wait to get them done up with some snake skins and tukrey feathers from my birds. Throw a stone point on the end and they should be a great arrow. Hope to send one threw the boiler room of a critter or two.