Getting the most from your goat... hide

[upstatenybowyer]

I can't remember who, but a few months back someone asked me if I tried cutting a goat rawhide drum head into a spiral to get the most out of it. Well, today I tried it and here were the results...

It definitely is the best way to get the most out of the circle, but it was a pain in the @#$ to lay onto a bow. If you try it I recommend having a bunch of hand clamps on hand, and using innertubes to secure it to the bow. The problem is, 2 hands aren't enough. You really have to stretch the wet hide to keep it from bunching up and wrap the innertubes quickly. These challenging circumstances continue until the entire bow is backed. I managed to pull it off successfully, but I'm not sure if it was worth the heckin' and feckin'. 

[DC]

That would have been me Sorry to put you through that. Teachers aren't supposed to use that language. Glad you managed

[upstatenybowyer]

Well, since it was you DC, it was worth it.  Really, I like to complain but it wasn't that bad and on a teacher's salary, I've goat, I mean I've got to get the most out of my supplies. 

[BowEd]

I seem to remember this and I'm sure I said it was possible on a 2' circle of goat hide.How big was yours?I'l agree when it gets too small of a circle it is darn near impossible.
I'm glad you toughed it through though on your bow.

[ajooter]

I buy a whole hide and just cut strips...its much easier and a 50 dollar hide goes a long way.  Well for me anyway....a bow making machine like you on the other hand...

[upstatenybowyer]

I seem to remember this and I'm sure I said it was possible on a 2' circle of goat hide.How big was yours?I'l agree when it gets too small of a circle it is darn near impossible.
I'm glad you toughed it through though on your bow.

20" I think

ajooter, maybe next time I'll just bite the bullet and spend the 50$

[Stick Bender]

I hate it when you have to heckin & feckin 

[DuBois]

I buy a whole hide and just cut strips...its much easier and a 50 dollar hide goes a long way.  Well for me anyway....a bow making machine like you on the other hand...

Yep, did that and it was good stuff

[bradsmith2010]

shorty palmer will sell you a large goat hide for about 20 dollars,,
and it will be much easier to get the straighter strips,,
I repair some drums,, the outside that is usually waste,, will rawhide a back,, in one piece,,
it is nice and thin too,, just saying,,,50 is way to much,,

[Stick Bender]

Good to know Brad thanks for posting that I just emailed him  !

[bradsmith2010]

if you tell him I sent you,, and what you are doing, he may have some seconds even cheaper