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Pheasant feather backing application
Josh B:
I've been planning to do this for a few months and just now got around to it.
First things first, we need a bow to glue the feathers to. This is a scrap of Hop hornbeam that was destined for Pappy's fire pit until I rescued it. 52 1/2" NTN 50#@26" eastern woodland style. If I can get it done in time, this should be on the raffle table at this years classic.
Next, you need some feathers. The source of these feathers is a tanned pheasant hide. One of these hides will provide enough plumage for an entire flat bow or several of these little skinny bows.
You will need a good waterproof glue. I'm using tite bond III this time. I used Elmers wood glue MAX last time and it worked fine. Scissors will come in handy for trimming the feathers. A bowl of water to clean the glue off your fingers and a towel or rag to dry your hands is a necessity. If you plan on using the tail feathers, you will want to shave the quill down on the feather. I use a flake of obsidian or chert for this. This one is a piece of chert from the KS flinthills.
VERY IMPORTANT!!! If you decide to do this project at the kitchen table while your wife is at a gymnastics tournament or some similar situation. Be sure to take all possible precautions to protect Momma's carpet and furniture. I have also taken the precaution of bribing my youngest two children into not telling Mom what Dad did all day and where. We'll see how that works out tomorrow when the kids talk to Mom. :-\
Josh B:
Now that we've gathered our supplies and sidetracked the kids for a few hours with Hunger games movies. ;) Let's get started! I start by lightly sanding the bows back with 220 grit and then wiping it down with alcohol to help ensure good adhesion.
Next I pluck out the tail feathers and trim the quill so that the feather will lay flat to the bows back. I'm using a flake of chert for this, but if your careful you can use an exacto knife to do the job.
Josh B:
Now that the tail feathers are prepared, slather a heavy coat of glue where the tail feathers are going to be placed. DO NOT COVER THE ENTIRE BACK OF THE BOW WITH GLUE! We will only apply a dab of glue as we go. Otherwise it will all be dry before you get to it. This is not a quickly done project. It took me over ten hrs just to apply the feathers the first time. This time took about half as long, but its still not a quick and easy project.
Josh B:
This is only the second time that I've done this and both times the tail feathers were a pain in the posterior. After those are good and secure, it goes much easier. I use the feathers as they are on the bird. I rip a clump out, working from the tail to the head, trim off and save the last inch or so of each feather(gets rid of the fluffy part of the feathers) and then apply them in the same order as they are on the bird. I apply them in alternating rows of two and three, staggered like bricks. After you place a row, give it a couple minutes for the glue to set and then add a dab of glue for the next row. You have to spread the glue up onto the feathers in the previously applied row. You must be careful to spread the glue far enough up the feathers to get complete adhesion on your new row, but not so far that you spread glue beyond what will be covered..
Josh B:
One nice thing about using a pheasant for this is there are so many different colored/patterned feathers on each bird that your options are limited only to your imagination. I tried to follow the natural pattern and transitions of the different feathers as they're found on the bird, but their really is no end to the possibilities. I just keep laying the feathers to a point that I know will be covered by the handle wrap and then start squishing out any extra glue and make a few minor adjustments here and there. Once the glue is dry, I then clean up the edge with an exacto knife. I do this before I proceed to the other limb so that i don't inadvertently damage/tear off my hard work.
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