They look great.

Wow that came out great. Good job

Me likely

That is amazing work!!!

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!

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.

That looks very nice.  

Looking good, well done!

Very nice , they look great !    

Tim, awesome job on the arm-guard...looks quite traditional and nicely done...wouldn't mind having one myself.

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.

Cool,I like it!

Oh yea...really like the joke with the tool bag. I got a friend that hates snakes.

Looks good Tim.

I love it !

Great job, Tim! Can't wait to see the black one finished!

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.

Real nice you did nice work with this.

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.......

QuoteOriginally 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!