i recently came into possession of an older wooden recurve that was stored badly (hot and dry, most likely)...it's not warped, but there was (what appeared to be) some masking tape on one tip that was almost like lacquer and the leather strips that made the grip were dry-rotted and stiff (and still stuck where there was glue)

anyway, i chipped off both the masking tape and leather and then lightly sanded both areas to remove any glue residue...i'm wondering, now, how i might possibly restore moisture to the bow

it's all wood...i was thinking of sanding it down a bit and then rubbing it down with mineral oil...not sure if this is the best approach, though

suggestions?

10/29/2009 2:09:10 PM

oh ill work your wood allright

wait

10/29/2009 2:09:52 PM

i don't really know anything about bows, but i'd guess wood conditioner and/or tung oil--something along those lines

[Edited on October 29, 2009 at 2:14 PM. Reason : &]

10/29/2009 2:13:46 PM

i'm gonna go with steaming it

10/29/2009 2:15:29 PM

^^ i'd have to go pick up some and i'm lazy...not really planning on using it, i don't think...though i might, just for target shooting, since i use my riser/limb setup for hunting

^ i was thinking about that, as well

10/29/2009 2:17:12 PM

10/29/2009 2:17:45 PM

wait....you should sand it so all the laquer is off...let it acclimate for a couple weeks...reseal it with West System epoxy (youll want to do several coats, sanding between coats). This will strengthen it.

The wood will absorb the moisture on its own to get an equilibrium moisture content...

I don't know much about wooden bows, but you may be able to get away with just sanding it, let it acclimate, and then finish it with some mineral spirits, like you said. (wouldnt be as strong as with an epoxy finish)

pictures?


[Edited on October 29, 2009 at 2:28 PM. Reason : d]

10/29/2009 2:22:14 PM

http://www.carolinaoutdoorsportsman.com/about.html


Take it there and let them check it out, maybe. Maybe just give a call and ask.

I found an old bow in my parents attic a long time ago. I took it in to a different store (now closed) and the guy there pulled it back once and it snapped in two.

10/29/2009 2:24:04 PM

I'm telling you....sand off the laquer...let it acclimate...you dont need to take it anywhere.

^yeah, you really have no idea what the bow has been through...so be careful so said^ doesnt happen

[Edited on October 29, 2009 at 2:27 PM. Reason : d]

10/29/2009 2:26:43 PM