Seal snakeskin backing

[Swissbow]

Hi folks,
I am planing to apply a snakeskin backing to a glas laminated bow that I have built. What is the best glue and what do you use for finishing/sealing the snakeskin ? I have glued a little piece of the skin to a glas with wood glue, to see if it's ok. But i think it does not stick to the glas the way it's supposed. And it seems to me that the skin is very fragile. So how can I make more durable and stronger without adding to much weight to the limbs ?

[Dano]

Not a very hard pole with only one way to vote   :rolleyes:    

I've used TiteBond  II and III (wood glues) with good results. Finished with Thunderbird epoxy, you could use about any spray urethane I would imagine.

[Swissbow]

Thanks Dano,

I will try to find Titebond II or III and give it a try. I will keep you updated as soon as I get a hand on it.

Sorry about the poll. This should of course be a simple topic and not a poll. My mistake !?!?!?

[Pat B]

Swiss If you can't find TiteBond glue, any casein or pva type carpenters glue should work. I have also heard of folks using rubber contact cement. With this you apply the glue to both surfaces(bow and skin) let it cure for a few minutes and lay the skin on the limb. The problem with this is you get only one chance. When the two parts touch, they are stuck!!!
 I build only wood bows and use TBIII to glue the skins and Tru-Oil, a gun stock finish to finish my bows, skinned or not.

[rainman]

Titebond and Tru-oil, 15 coats should make it as smooth as glass.  Be sure to pop scales off before finishing.

[Stiks-n-Strings]

look in the how to section under skinning a wapiti. I followed it and skinned a recurve that turned out great.

[Swissbow]

Thanks a lot guys for the useful information. I got the Titebond III today and will apply the skin according to the how to 'skin a wapiti'.