Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Traditional Archery and Accoutrements => Topic started by: Fort Greene Ville on August 10, 2009, 01:35:53 PM

Title: selfbow maintenance
Post by: Fort Greene Ville on August 10, 2009, 01:35:53 PM

I picked up an old "D" style longbow and was wandering what would be best to treat the old wood?  Linseed Oil? Mineral Oil?

What's your thoughts?!

Thanks
FGV

Title: Bow
Post by: SAWMA on August 11, 2009, 07:29:02 AM

I was told to use tung oil, it seems to be AOK. Does not form a glossy finish, and is flexible and water proof.

Title:
Post by: Longhunter on August 11, 2009, 06:36:31 PM

Fort, what kind of wood is it?...dark color or light? Is the finish worn off? You can put just about anything on it, from spray lacquer to tung oil.

Title: bow images
Post by: Fort Greene Ville on August 12, 2009, 07:52:06 AM

[albumimg:1kvcfn5e]4268[/albumimg:1kvcfn5e]   [albumimg:1kvcfn5e]4269[/albumimg:1kvcfn5e]

Longhunter here are a couple pics if you can tell. Not sure of the wood but it is light in color. Hard to get a good close up of grain.

I found this in an antique mall for $12.00. First thing when I saw it I picked it up and looked end to end to see if there was any warping, but nothing showing. Only one limb having slightly more tillering but I believe I have brought that back after clamping for couple months. Still have to get a string for it once I try a couple from my other bows on it. Hope it will work for a nice target bow and/or 'Vous shooter. So I'm figuring on the tung oil but should I wipe the bow with a cleaner of sorts?

FGV

Title:
Post by: Longhunter on August 13, 2009, 11:10:14 AM

Quote

I'm figuring on the tung oil but should I wipe the bow with a cleaner of sorts?

Go over it with 000 or 0000 steel wool then wipe it with acetone before you apply the tung oil.

It looks like it might be lemonwood but the back looks darker. Does it have a different wood laminated on the back?

Lemonwood was used a lot in lighter weight bows. It does not age well like hickory or osage. By not ageing well I mean it tends to get brittle. If you get a string on it and shoot it be sure to wear glasses or safety glasses. When lemonwood breaks it flys in pieces.

Good luck.

Title: bow wood
Post by: Fort Greene Ville on August 13, 2009, 10:15:17 PM

Longhunter

Thanks for the advise! It is a one piece selfbow non-laminated. it is very dirty on the skin. I figured I have to take care when I string it. I 'll use a string off another before buying a new one.

Thanks Again
FGV