At the local leather shop they are selling python skins for $40.
Has anyone ever backed a bow with python skins?
Do I also need to remove the scales from the python after glue up?
I also do not want them to be shiny so what finish do you recommend for a good mate finish?
I've used python a lot. As long as they were air dried then you are fine to use them. I used to use tou oil on them,but now i mainly use shellac as a finish. You do have to remove the scales first before finishing. The swap thread has pic of my last python skinned bow I think on page 160ish.
The guy who wants the skins on his bow also wants the scales left on . I told him the finish would crack and dirt would get under the scales .... What is the official reason for removing the scales?
Leaving scales on is a bad plan. The finish wont adhere like it should and that just gives moisture a chance to sneak under. Skins look 10x better without scales anyway. The true color comes out vividly.
If its air dried the scales are going to come off wheather he wants them on or not once the bow is shot. The pythons have such a fine scale anyway most come off when you soak them and put them on.
Mike
Many people I've talked to think the color is actually in the scales. They don't realize that the scales are like finger nails and are transparent.
Just tell him that when the scales DO fall off, it will take the protective finish right along with it.
Alright so I am still a little scared about causing hours of cleanup on a bow that is not mine. So I did a few test strips. When I attempted to remove the scales the tape tore the skin and did not remove any scales.... Only a very small corner of the scales actually move at all , and if you try to pull one off it also tears the skin... I got the python skin from Tandy's Leather any one have any suggestions now? Thanks again
(http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee465/buckskinbows/1f43b858.jpg)
Is ther any chance the skins have been descaled from the supplier?
User painters tape and peel it off towards the tail. Duct tape is mean stuff. I use it on thicker skins like canebrake, rat or even big WDB's.
Has the skin been tanned? I am not aware of any air dried skins from them.
Like Mike said, if its air dried,the scales will come off.I have never torn an air dried skin while removing scales.
It looks like the scales are already off. They should come off pretty easy, although on my thicker Skeeredns like the last one I couldn't get tape to pull them off. I ended up using a pink rubber pencil eraser to rub them off. It worked great. Try rubbing them and if nothing comes off then you know.
Those skins are probably tanned and the scales have been removed.