heat treating an already skinned bow

[echatham]

just got done reading the tbb chapter on heat treating, and i got a bow that i think id like to improve upon.  its a very nice looking osage bow with copper head skins.  its got a couple inches of string follow and came out lighter than i wanted.  it also has a little bit of washboard effect on the belly, caused by scrapers and layers of early wood.  id like to sand the belly smooth, hold it in a little bit of reflex and toast the belly just to see how it comes out.  but im afraid it will ruin the skins.  skins are glued on with white wood glue if that makes a difference.  anyone done this on a skinned bow?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Peel the skins off and do it right. You cant leave them on. You might be surprised how easily the skins peel off. Often they can be re-used. Take your time and peel it off slowly touching sticking spots with a straight edge razor.

[echatham]

hmm... peel em off ehh?  sounds like i need to really be comitted 

btw Pearly i just got done voting over at BOM.  let me just say you make the bows i want to make 

[PEARL DRUMS]

There is often a thin white colored layer on the inside of skins. It will separate from the skin and stay glued to the bow. Ive done it twice and it worked for me.

Thanks for your kind words.

[echatham]

think ill give it a try.  ive been itching for something to do while i wait on wood to dry.
hey that rhymes 

[PEARL DRUMS]

If your like me? A bow you wont shoot is worthless, make it better or at least learn from it trying.

[echatham]

good point.  was thinkin of gifting it to my sister, but she's living in a Navy barracks for the next couple years and can't keep it there.  can't be having out military members having weapons now can we. 

[Danzn Bar]

Really PD, You can recycle skins?? 
I've got one that has got about 4 coats of true oil over them that were glued down with TBII or maybe III.  Can they be peeled?

echatham....did your skins have any finish over them?  If not, I can see how wetting them down if they were glue with a water soluble wood glue would help.

Would love to here more about this
Thanks
DBar

[WhitefeatherFout]

Eric,
Leave copper alone!!  It was one of your firsts and you'll regret it later, especially if you mess it up.   I know what your trying to do but it isn't going to work like you think and it's not worth it or really doable at this point, I think!  Just my opinion.  That bow will more than kill a deer( or a kids toy horse!). Just smoke one through the heart and hang it on the wall.  It's a progression thing.  Don't go back and try to make an older bow better right now.  Just keep em as a trophy or momento of your ever changing skills.  You and hopefully others will appreciate that someday.  Matt

[medicinewheel]

I have actually heat-treated rawhide backed bows glued with TB3 no problem. Was surprised skins didn't come off..

[blackhawk]

btw Pearly i just got done voting over at BOM.  let me just say you make the bows i want to make 

You don't wanna be making bows like that..trust me I know cus I have two of his bows   

[PEARL DRUMS]

Really PD, You can recycle skins?? 
I've got one that has got about 4 coats of true oil over them that were glued down with TBII or maybe III.  Can they be peeled?

Thanks
DBar

Yup, twice Bill. I use TB111 on mine. Keep in mind they aren't all the same. Some don't have that layer of inner skin, or maybe the glue soaked through it? Im 2 for 4 on removing them. But a skinless shooter is better than a pretty junker any day!

[echatham]

haha Matt you are probably right.  you know how i am when i get to drinkin and thinkin .  Don't worry i won't do anything rash. 

Danzn Bar they got 5 coats of tru-oil. 

Blackhawk i suppose i could live with myself if i made one of your bows too     as long as it wasn't 7 feet long with a cut-out shelf! 

[Danzn Bar]

Thanks PD and ech...I think I'm going to try some recycling.
Thanks,
DBar