Snakeskin backed limbs

[OKbowhunter20]

Do snakeskins have to be put on limbs before a bow is done beingmade or after it is finished?

If you can put them on afterward, how hard isit?

Can anyone give a brief rundown or a link to a thread fo how this is done?

Thanks

ORIGINAL: OKbowhunter20

Do snakeskins have to be put on limbs before a bow is done beingmade or after it is finished?

If you can put them on afterward, how hard isit?

Can anyone give a brief rundown or a link to a thread fo how this is done?

Thanks

I put them on after tiller and all. I have seen alot of guys tell me that while the glue is wet, you can lose poundage, but will come back after a few weeks. I have also been told to use dryed skins, not tanned.

You want to soak the skins in water for a few min, and while they are soaking, apply your titebond II or whatever to your back. Then soak up most of the water with a towel. The skins should lay anyway you want. Start at the handle and squeeze out the excess. Trim and leave 1/4 on each side. I used blue painters tape to hold on, as some complain that the ace bandage will cause it to shift. Remove tape and sand the sides and trim. Use take to pull off all the scales. Apply your finish over it.

[AK in PA]

I like to add them selfbows when the bow is in good tiller and still ~10-12# overweight, since you'll loose some poundage cleaning the limbs up afterwards. That leaves some wiggle room to make finall tiller adjustments, do the rough sanding to remove tool marks, and ease into the last few pounds.

Here's how I usually go about it:

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/122889814mrjYrU