Finally finished my bow!

[djthompson]

It's taken a while (to find the time really); but I've tillered my ELB to around 35lb @ 29# draw. I'd like it to be a little stronger; but considering it is my first bow, I am very pleased. Shot a dozen arrows with the temporary nocks :-)

It's a self lemonwood bow. I've stuck on some horn nocks; just need to finish the bow. Should i varnish or wax?

Would a couple of coats of varnish improve cast etc?

Thanks for all the advice over the last 12 months; look forward to shooting it!

Dave

[Little Miss Purple]

Where are the pictures??????

My bow was waxed, which I preferred the look and feel of, I got horn nocks put on and the bow came back varnished. I have only shot the bow once and was utterly rubbish - this may not mean anything though and I know nothing about longbows

[dtalbot]

I tend to use danish oil on mine.
If you want it heavier how about a sinew backing?

[Kae]

If the bow is only for occasional use, then I'd suggest varnishing.
Helps keep the moisture in the wood, so reduces the risk of it breaking.

Pictures needed!


Kae.

[djthompson]

just bought some Danish Oil; three coats to apply now!!!

Will get photos up ASAP.

Cheers, D

[dtalbot]

The way I've been told for oiling by some bowyers far better than me is:

Once a day for a week
Once a week for the next month
Once a month for the next year
And once a year for life

Seems to result in a good tough finish

[djthompson]

I like that; that sounds spot on :-)

[cloutman360]

If its Rustins Danish Oil thats ok but any other i would test it on a piece of wood first.

[steve58]

Originally Posted by Kae

If the bow is only for occasional use, then I'd suggest varnishing.
Helps keep the moisture in the wood, so reduces the risk of it breaking.


Kae.

Interestingly a number of people of far more experience than me have told me that to varnish arrows dries the wood out because it can't breathe... I always thought that sounded a bit suspect...

[Kae]

Originally Posted by steve58

Interestingly a number of people of far more experience than me have told me that to varnish arrows dries the wood out because it can't breathe... I always thought that sounded a bit suspect...

I'm no expert (only been shooting longbow 5 years) but the way I look at it is that a nice bendy piece of wood, covered in sealant (such as varnish) will stay nice and bendy. However, a nice bendy piece of wood kept in a dry place (no-one keeps their bows outside?) will dry out and go brittle.
Just look at table tops for example. Sealed wood stays flat and even, unsealed wood splits. (one reason why you always paint the ends of bow staves in pva glue when you are seasoning them, so they don't dry out too quickly - but that's a different job altogether).

But that's just my experience.

Kae.