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.