Long snake skin

[HoBow]

On long snake skins- should you cut it in half to keep the grain going out on both limbs or does it matter?  I had someone tell me this was important once, but never understood why

[Jboyd]

I do it on Timber rattlers because of the way the pattern is
it works reall well.

jamie

[Pat B]

Jeff, I prefer 2 skins joined at the handle because I like the scales to lay toward the tips to make stringing the bow easier and less abrasive to the string. I have split skins lengthwise but always lay the skins so the head is toward the handle and tail toward the tips. I have seen bows with one skin tip to tip. It looks fine and works well but for me the orientation I chose is the preferred by me.

[NTD]

I have 2 bows with a single skin running the length of the bow.  That boa you have Jeff has pretty flat scales, they aren't keeled like rattlers.  So if you tru oil it well enough you shouldn't have a problem with the abrasion of the string like Pat was mentioning.

[NTD]

how long is the bow you're skinning with that thing?

[FlintWalker]

Just put the tail end on the top limb and don't worry about it!

[El Destructo]

Like Shannon said....if you do it this way....the Scales are facing right on the top Limb...and thats the one that takes the Punishment while Stringing and unstringing.....JMO

[Alpinbogen]

To be so lucky to have a single skin that's long enough for the whole bow!  Yes, I'd put it on in one length, with the tail at the tip as mentoned.

[NTD]

Not only is it long enough...it's wide enough to do probably 3 bows.  I hope you utilize that side pattern Jeff, if not on this bow on another one.  That calico like pattern and color is just incredible.

Mike,
I understand what you mean about the string abrading against the scales....but python and boa skins I have on my bows you can run your fingers against(backwards) the scales and it's smooth as butter.  A little 0000 steel wool on the scales and then 6 coats of tru oil is what did it for mine. 

[El Destructo]

          Yeah Nate....I was mainly speaking about Rattlers and other Vipers...most Constrictor Skins are thicker...and smoother than any of the North American Vipers

  And Jeff....if this is one of Nates Hides....amke sure that you do your best to split it in three...because the Side patterns are almost better looking than the Back are....JMO

[HoBow]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm working on several sinewed shorties, so I should have enough to make some nice bows

[NTD]

Cool good to hear Jeff.  Can't wait to see how they turn out.

Mike, sounds like we were on the same page.  Yep, it's one of mine.  One of my favorite skins yet, cept maybe that green tree python   Wife begged me to keep this one...But I'm getting a good trade for this skin.  I'm going to attempt a MSL D/R or recurve with the pair of HHB boards.

[Thwackaddict]

Those skins are absolutely amazing!!Beautiful!!Cant wait to see em on sumpn!