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Primitive Skills / Re: Atlatl help
« Last post by Pat B on February 09, 2026, 10:45:29 pm »Point heavy works well with arrows. I don't use atlatls but I'd guess they would be the same. Let us know how it works out for you.
Recent Posts
92
Bows / Re: Tanning snake skins for bow backings
« Last post by Fox on February 09, 2026, 10:35:52 pm »Thanks guys! Hopping to get some big pythons! Heading down to Florida today to find some
93
Bows / Re: Apple Flatbow 54# @ 27"
« Last post by sleek on February 09, 2026, 09:37:08 pm »Congratulations on winning the bow of the month for Jan 2026 with this bow!
94
Arrows / Re: Increasing weight of glue on heads?
« Last post by ozy clint on February 09, 2026, 09:31:26 pm »Try melting 20gr of lead and pouring it in. It'll take up far less volume than shavings.
95
Bows / Re: Tanning snake skins for bow backings
« Last post by Eric Krewson on February 09, 2026, 09:21:53 pm »My method makes for a very neat skin job that isn't coming loose like some wrapped skins.
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Bows / Re: Tanning snake skins for bow backings
« Last post by Eric Krewson on February 09, 2026, 09:03:48 pm »Some skins need to be fleshed, a timber rattler is one of them, copperheads and western diamondbacks do not have to be in my experience. I tack the skin flesh side up on a board wet and use a spoon to flesh it. After I have the skin fleshed I dry it on the board I have it stapled to, cut off the belly scale portion, roll it up and store it in a zip lock bag away from any sunny spot in my house. I have kept skins for years this way with no damage.
I soak the skin in water and blot it dry before I apply any glue and put it on the bow. I don't remove the scales until the skin in on the bow and the glue has dried.
While we are talking applying skins to bows, don't wrap the skin to attach it to the bow like you read. Use your thumbs to roll over the skin side to side and move the air bubbles and excess glue off to the side. You can also continually tweak the skins pattern to be perfectly aligned with the centerline of the bow as well. I usually spend about 15 minutes per limb with my thumbs or until the glue starts to set and and I can't shift it anymore.
I soak the skin in water and blot it dry before I apply any glue and put it on the bow. I don't remove the scales until the skin in on the bow and the glue has dried.
While we are talking applying skins to bows, don't wrap the skin to attach it to the bow like you read. Use your thumbs to roll over the skin side to side and move the air bubbles and excess glue off to the side. You can also continually tweak the skins pattern to be perfectly aligned with the centerline of the bow as well. I usually spend about 15 minutes per limb with my thumbs or until the glue starts to set and and I can't shift it anymore.
97
Bows / Re: Tanning snake skins for bow backings
« Last post by Bob Barnes on February 09, 2026, 08:48:47 pm »I think I have the original snakeskin application from Paul Brunner... I'll try to attach it. The skin can even be applied fresh, but I air dry them first.
98
Bows / Re: Tanning snake skins for bow backings
« Last post by Fox on February 09, 2026, 08:48:37 pm »Oh sweet well that’s nice and simple then. Thanks!
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Around the Campfire / Re: What Did You Do Today?
« Last post by Piddler on February 09, 2026, 08:32:14 pm »Congratulations.
Now with the sinew harvesting, hide tanning and all else involved.
Piddler
Now with the sinew harvesting, hide tanning and all else involved.
Piddler
100
Bows / Re: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
« Last post by jameswoodmot on February 09, 2026, 08:16:02 pm »glad to help. I was actually looking for pics of the Ashcott heath bow if anyone knows of any?