Snake skin belly scales question?

[Okla-archer]

I Just got a snake skin from the local zoo and its just big enough to make it work. I only have one skin and I cant really get another one.  Its a Tiger rat snake from south America.  I really wanna be able to use and the concern that I have is that in order to make it work I have to use a section on the snake that includes the belly scales.  they curve quite a bit but I'm guessing one they're removed it wont be so bad.  Has anyone ever done this? What should I watch out for? I'm guessing its going to difficult come gluing time because of that curve from the belly scales.  I would appreciate any suggestions

Thanks,
Joel



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[Pat B]

Have you salted that skin. That is not necessary if you are going to use it on a bow. Now you will have to remove all the salt before you try to glue it down. If you don't remove the salt the skin will attract moisture and rot on the bow even if it is sealed.

[Okla-archer]

Bummer... yea I salted it.  I figured having it dry would make it easier to split down the middle and might get rid of some of the curl.  so do I just soak the skin to get rid of the salt? 

[gutpile]

you should soak it in hot water and rinse it repeatedly..then tack it out and sir dry....it might be ok...you don't have to salt or borax snake skins that are not being tanned....gut

[Pat B]

Do as gut said!

[cracker]

I'm with them snake sknis dry nicely without salt. Ron