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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: hunting badger on February 15, 2019, 10:17:07 PM

Title: snakewood finishing
Post by: hunting badger on February 15, 2019, 10:17:07 PM

Have any of you guys used snakewood? I have used it on my grandsons bow I just built him and was wondering how you finished the bow and if you encountered any issues. I'm planning to finish the bow Sunday with Buffalo Hide. Any help would be appreciated.

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: Pat B on February 15, 2019, 10:25:24 PM

I use Tru-Oil over snake skins but any bow finish should work just fine. I'm not familiar with Buffalo Hide.

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: hunting badger on February 15, 2019, 10:55:59 PM

Thanks Pat, I'm using snakewood not snake skins. It's a very dark red wood, hard wood and looks like it might have some oils in it. Never used it before, got the wood in a trade. Buffalo Hide is Big Jim's brand of Thunderbird.

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: Crooked Stic on February 16, 2019, 06:37:32 AM

Snakewood is very unstable and you want not to leave it unsealed or will check. The buff hide will work fine.

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: KenH on February 16, 2019, 08:13:22 AM

The Snakewood I know is one of the hardest woods on the Janka Scale of Hardness.  I've not used it for tip overlays but have used it for other things.  I've always just given it fine sanding and a light oiling; never had any problems with stability.  It is a bit oily; I hope you wiped it down well before gluing.

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: Pat B on February 16, 2019, 08:20:03 AM

Sorry, never tried snakewood.  :knothead:

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: Shredd on February 16, 2019, 10:58:20 AM

Quote from: hunting badger on February 15, 2019, 10:55:59 PM

Thanks Pat, I'm using snakewood not snake skins. It's a very dark red wood, hard wood and looks like it might have some oils in it. Never used it before, got the wood in a trade. Buffalo Hide is Big Jim's brand of Thunderbird.

   Snake Wood??  Snake Skin??   Whats the Difference??    :biglaugh:

   Sure it's gonna look Good...  Post some pics...

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: hunting badger on February 16, 2019, 02:57:10 PM

Going to spray Sunday and Monday, Ill let you know how it worked out. I know just sanding it and rubbing the wood with a soft cloth to get the dust off brought it to a high sheen.

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: Bivyhunter on February 23, 2019, 11:50:54 AM

I’ve used loads of snakewood. You’ll be fine with Buffalo Hide.

Title: Re: snakewood finishing
Post by: TattooDave on February 28, 2019, 10:59:19 AM

I've used true oil on a snakewood turkey call. It finished up nicely. Haven't touched the stuff since though. Broke out in a horrible rash the day after.

Tattoo Dave