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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Tsalt on October 15, 2014, 12:09:00 PM

Title: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Tsalt on October 15, 2014, 12:09:00 PM
My first attempt at building my own arm guard...
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Tsalt on October 15, 2014, 12:18:00 PM
I started a second on with black leather... haven't done any stitching on it yet...

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_9194_zpsda01f61e.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_9194_zpsda01f61e.jpg.html)

So back to the brown one.  When I added the back piece of leather it was to thick to punch with a nail.  I ended up drilling these holes and it worked great (thanks James 'sockersblur' !)

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/5B63BFA7-B08A-426D-8C29-0184713D496F_zpsziy199e0.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/5B63BFA7-B08A-426D-8C29-0184713D496F_zpsziy199e0.jpg.html)

I got some shed alters from my buddy who killed the snakes and used them to cut antler buttons.  

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/082207E3-A899-4652-B477-088DD31AAD49_zpsqfg1aknd.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/082207E3-A899-4652-B477-088DD31AAD49_zpsqfg1aknd.jpg.html)

Put some elastic bands on it... they don't look real traditional but they are so functional.  Soaked it in warm water and shaped it overnight.  Final product turned out pretty cool I think.  

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/BA17B9AD-3813-4CC2-9814-0CE6142E4A89_zpsjozasgh7.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/BA17B9AD-3813-4CC2-9814-0CE6142E4A89_zpsjozasgh7.jpg.html)

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/FEB88D09-9FFA-4383-AE7E-B4680C1ED80A_zpsmipqmhx2.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/FEB88D09-9FFA-4383-AE7E-B4680C1ED80A_zpsmipqmhx2.jpg.html)

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/FA174971-A8C7-403D-B9FE-6CB18C477A0A_zpsy8nvqaok.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/FA174971-A8C7-403D-B9FE-6CB18C477A0A_zpsy8nvqaok.jpg.html)

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/2F4F2A75-ECC4-473D-ABDF-C57558982A0B_zpsjmxxoiyb.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/2F4F2A75-ECC4-473D-ABDF-C57558982A0B_zpsjmxxoiyb.jpg.html)

I did notice that some of the snake scales are flaking off when I started bending the armguard. I put some polyurethane sealer on it and hope that will stop the flaking.   Any tips you veterans can give me I'm all ears.  This was a lot of fun. I already know some changes I will make to the black one.  

Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: KSshrewman on October 15, 2014, 12:39:00 PM
really nice.  Snake looks great.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Bernie B. on October 15, 2014, 12:50:00 PM
You do great work!  They look really nice.  I'm glad I wasn't the one reaching into that tool bag!     :bigsmyl:

Bernie
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: non-typical on October 15, 2014, 12:51:00 PM
That's very cool!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: T-Bowhunter on October 15, 2014, 01:18:00 PM
That looks great!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: kevsuperg on October 15, 2014, 01:29:00 PM
thats really nice !!
 feels good to do things yourself...
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: KyStickbow on October 15, 2014, 01:33:00 PM
Looks great!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: TradBrewSC on October 15, 2014, 01:47:00 PM
That's awesome! I want one!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Wannabe1 on October 15, 2014, 02:14:00 PM
Wow, what a great thread and arm guard! Well done my friend and glad to see others have a sense of humor like myself!   :wavey:
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Sockrsblur on October 15, 2014, 02:41:00 PM
Well done Tim, I like it a lot! That was.a.big old snake! Yikes...
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Wandering Archer on October 15, 2014, 03:11:00 PM
Hey, that came out great! Pretty respectable job on the stitching too, considering the tools you had and the fact you didn't recess them.

If you like the look better, PM me your address, I'll send you some round shock cord(elastic cord) to replace the ribbon stuff.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Dan White on October 15, 2014, 03:13:00 PM
Like it, you did a good job.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Matty on October 15, 2014, 04:07:00 PM
Awesome creation!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Pheonixarcher on October 15, 2014, 05:44:00 PM
Looks good!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Bladepeek on October 15, 2014, 05:57:00 PM
Not sure I want a snake crawling up my arm, but that looks really good. Nice work.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: ron w on October 15, 2014, 06:56:00 PM
Nice job......it looks classy!!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: chall on October 15, 2014, 07:11:00 PM
those look great !
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Stump73 on October 15, 2014, 07:20:00 PM
Very nice craftsmanship. Post the black one when you get done.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: guspup on October 15, 2014, 07:51:00 PM
That looks absolutely beautiful, nice work!!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Thumper Dunker on October 15, 2014, 07:59:00 PM
They look great.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: jt85 on October 15, 2014, 08:45:00 PM
Wow that came out great. Good job
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Chad Orde on October 15, 2014, 08:49:00 PM
Me likely
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: LB_hntr on October 15, 2014, 08:55:00 PM
That is amazing work!!!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: LC on October 15, 2014, 09:13:00 PM
That's great work especially considering what tools you had!
With that said you wrote:
"I did notice that some of the snake scales are flaking off when I started bending the armguard"

I'm no expert and I've never worked with tanned snake skins but have applied some snake skins to bows and when it's dried you have to take off the "dead" skin scales with duct tape etc. Probably a how to on here for backing a bow. Not sure if that's what you do with a tanned skin or not but bet it's close.
Great job though!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Tsalt on October 15, 2014, 10:01:00 PM
Thanks for all the kind comments everybody! I gave the armguard to my hunting buddy who killed the snakes.  He really likes it... wore it tonight.  
I will try and finish the black one this week and post it here when I'm finished.
LC - that's interesting about the skin flaking.  The other skin I tanned lost the outer skin... It just separated from the main skin when I was drying it... But the under skin was a much duller color.  I put polyurethane on the skin on the armguard and it seems to have fixed the problem.  But I'll have to do some more research on that.  I think alcohol and glycerin is a better tanning solution and might leave the skin more supple.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: legends1 on October 15, 2014, 10:14:00 PM
That looks very nice.   :clapper:
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Flying Dutchman on October 16, 2014, 03:40:00 AM
Looking good, well done!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Steve Jr on October 16, 2014, 08:21:00 AM
Very nice , they look great !    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: The Ole' Bowhunter on October 16, 2014, 08:31:00 AM
Tim, awesome job on the arm-guard...looks quite traditional and nicely done...wouldn't mind having one myself.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: jt powell on October 16, 2014, 08:44:00 AM
The outer skin on the scales will continue to come off. Next time after drying for a few days take a spoon or dull butter knife and lightly scale the skin working from head to tail then spray with polyurethane and you'll be good.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Longbow58 on October 16, 2014, 09:20:00 AM
Cool,I like it!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Longbow58 on October 16, 2014, 09:22:00 AM
Oh yea...really like the joke with the tool bag. I got a friend that hates snakes.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: culleng on October 16, 2014, 02:54:00 PM
Looks good Tim.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: RAU on October 16, 2014, 09:08:00 PM
I love it !
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Fattony77 on October 16, 2014, 09:33:00 PM
Great job, Tim! Can't wait to see the black one finished!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Hud on October 16, 2014, 10:07:00 PM
I would try reversing the skin to prevent the string from peeling the scales. Remove the hooks on the scales and seal with urethane before putting on the leather.  Maybe back the skin with canvas/nylon to keep it from flexing.

I like what you came up with, looks good.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Ryman Cat on October 17, 2014, 10:15:00 PM
Real nice you did nice work with this.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Pat B. on October 18, 2014, 10:44:00 AM
I'm pretty sure that timber rattlers are protected. I've heard this in Texas at any rate and I suspect its Federal..

Not positive yours are timber rattlers but just sayin.......
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Tsalt on October 18, 2014, 12:47:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Pat B.:
I'm pretty sure that timber rattlers are protected. I've heard this in Texas at any rate and I suspect its Federal..

Not positive yours are timber rattlers but just sayin.......
It is a Timber rattler.  I checked the regs and they are not protected but I was surprised to see that there is a season... March 1 - June 30.  Although I'm pretty sure if they are up by your house then the law of common sense dictates you kill the dang thing regardless of the season!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Rustic on October 18, 2014, 01:12:00 PM
Nice job TSALT...  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Bladepeek on October 18, 2014, 01:17:00 PM
If I found one of Michigan's Massasauga rattlers near my house it would definitely suffer a fatal accident. I sure wouldn't post it on here, though.

They are protected in Michigan and I have a hunch the DNR would prosecute.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Caughtandhobble on October 18, 2014, 01:57:00 PM
Awesome!!!
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: GUYZER on October 18, 2014, 06:56:00 PM
THAT IS A BEAUTY!!

MAT THE SPIRIT OF FRED BEAR GUIDE OUR ARROWS.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Tsalt on October 22, 2014, 10:26:00 AM
Some of you guys wanted to see the black one when it was finished, so here it is...

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/B4152091-868F-461B-9088-95E7DBDAAEF8_zpshhtade42.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/B4152091-868F-461B-9088-95E7DBDAAEF8_zpshhtade42.jpg.html)

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/c908ed75-9060-42d8-a748-665227b69392_zps307dfbae.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/c908ed75-9060-42d8-a748-665227b69392_zps307dfbae.jpg.html)

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/E031D349-2BBC-43CC-97F6-0493B97795BC_zpsgommvavc.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/E031D349-2BBC-43CC-97F6-0493B97795BC_zpsgommvavc.jpg.html)

  (http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/6D94C7D0-7148-4894-AA43-C2E864A89E21_zpssllctumo.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/6D94C7D0-7148-4894-AA43-C2E864A89E21_zpssllctumo.jpg.html)

I screwed up the stitching in places...which bugs the heck out of me.  I've got to invest in some basic tools so I can recess the stitches and keep them in a nice straight line.

Special thanks to Nick (Wandering Archer) who generously sent me some round elastic cord.  Tradgangers are amazingly thoughtful and generous!  Also thanks to mike g (mikesarcheryleather) for the helpful tips.
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: ron w on October 22, 2014, 01:19:00 PM
Very nice........   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Armguard... my first attempt (I finished the black one...)
Post by: Seth Stevens on October 22, 2014, 07:53:00 PM
Great work!