removing snake skin from bow

[del]

I just glued an eastern diamond back rattler to my hatfield.  I used titebond II.  When I de-scaled it, the lighter spots where the scales were is real yellow.      I have a timber rattler that I "aquired" yesterday. 8^)   If I decide to remove the skin, what is the right way to do it?  thanks  <>< del

[Colorado Joe]

Interesting question. I'll be watching the answers on this one.
Don't think it'd hurt any if you sanded the existing skin down a bit then applied the new piece over the top of the old. Saving some time.

[Stiks-n-Strings]

Tite bond will release at 120 degrees maybe a little less.I don't know if you would want to get the bow that hot though. Only other option I can think of is to sand or scrape them off being careful not to get into the bow to much. You would definetly want to get them off before reskinning it for sure.

[del]

I think I am going to keep it like it is now.  Maybe the color will improve.  I have been wanting a diamond back on a bow for a while.  I can get a timber rattler anytime I want so I am going to probably put the one I just got up for trade before long.  I have to put a few more coats on the limbs and then I will post some pictures of it.  going to make some antler limbs bolts for it today.  hope it goes to plan. thanks for the replies  <>< del

[blue_beast_66]

I'd say careful slow heat or you could try lightly staining the whole skin

[Brock]

that is why i only use Elmers Wood Glue which is water resistant....you are going to seal the skins anyhow so keeping moisture out is inherent.

I have replaced skins on my Jeffery Royal Hunter 2 times (3rd set on now in 20 years).....sand lightly to remove sealant...soak limbs in warm water and they come right off...then I wet sand or steel wool the remnants off to get smooth for new set.

[del]

here is a picture of the bow with the diamondback on it.  Does it look too yellow?  ><> del

[PEARL DRUMS]

Looks fine. I have a static osage with two TOTALLY different wdb skins on each limb, doubt the critters will care either.

Skins will peel off much easier than we think. If try to peel it off slowly it will. I have done it twice with TBIII used on wood bows. You may need a razor blade to clean it up.

[John Scifres]

You can dye snakeskins ya know.  I have often added some brown dye to paler skins to make the color pop.  Might be too late for this one now that it has a finish but in the future...

I like the way it looks BTW.