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Hackberry recurve build along, real time hopefully. ** DONE **
PEARL DRUMS:
I sanded the whole bow down after filing in my belly grooves. I went down to 120 grit for now. Its time for skins. I had a chunk of Timber Rattler laying around that was 18" long. I split the skin and had just enough to cover my sinew, how cool is that! Skins are very easy to apply to any bow. A few basic tools are needed. A bucket, pan or bowel of water, bath towel, glue and some skins. The first thing I do is drop the skins in water. Then spread glue evenly and completely over one limb. By the time Im done with that the skin is ready to come out.
PEARL DRUMS:
Once I have the glue spread nicely and around the edges some I grab a skin and lay it scales up on a towel. Then gently fold the towel over and tamp the skin slightly dry. I lay the skin on the bow with the head towards the tip. Be sure to have the pattern lined up as best you can. Air bubbles form when the skin contacts the bow so you must be sure to work all them out by gently running your fingers with the scale direction squeezing air out as you go, be sure to also keep the edges tacked down. I like to "pet" my skins for about 3-4 minutes after final alignment and smoothing is done. I do this just to be sure all surfaces stay stuck and to be sure the skins are in full contact with the back and edges. TBIII sets up fast and usually 3-4 minutes is enough "petting" to ensure good adhesion.
PEARL DRUMS:
I like to trim the belly skin and scales off right away, most often before I even apply the skins. You will find that belly skin curls right up fast after taking it from the water. Get rid of it so it doesnt ruin your work when you come back to a curled up mess! I did a repeat on the second limb and will let the bow sit for two days. I will wait 18-20 hours on a hard back bow. With hide glue and sinew backed I want to let it sit extra long. Any slight ridges in the sinew back will hold extra glue that will need time to harden up unlike a smooth, hard back.
TRACY:
Very nice venison stick PD! Enjoyed looking at the evolution of this bow in the last 20 minutes. I like the heat gun "stand"!
Tracy
lesken2011:
Looking real nice, PD....real nice.
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