This sure Isn't no build along but I'll bet It's the closest I ever get to one. I'll leave that stuff for the pro's (Kanga and Burnie). I had some limb trouble on my top limb of my recurve so I thought I'd try and tackle It myself and see what happens. I lost 12lbs In draw weight from a year ago, not sure exactly why that happened yet. I did find some splinters coming off of my top limb, the tiny splinters were about an 1/8" deep by 1/8" wide about 9" long on the outside edge of my limb. I'm not sure If the lost weight and the splinters have something In common, who knows. Being It's a take down I took It apart and separated the riser and the limbs. I'm going to use some epoxy that Kanga and Burnie recommended to me and put that where it's splintering. I also found a spot on my limb tip where the fiberglass backing Is coming apart slightly, I'll hit that up with epoxy as well. Back 13 years ago when I got this bow I camoed It up, the only reason I did It was because of the fiberglass backing on both sides of my limbs. Honestly I didn't like the looks of fiberglass on my recurve so I camoed It along with the riser. Being It's been 13 years I forgot what the wood looked like underneath the paint on the riser, man I was Impressed! It's some nice looking wood!! I've still gotta get the paint off of the fiberglass on the limbs before I put the epoxy on, I plan on picking some stuff up at Menard's to do that (Thanks Robert). Here are some pics. My bow camoed. Here you can see where the splinters were coming off of on the limb (right side of the limb on the outer edge. Here's where the fiberglass backing Is separating slightly on the limb tip, hard to see. Here's what she looks like now with no camo on It. I sanded my ass off on that riser!!
Steve, Are you going to stain the riser, leave it natural or camo it again. If you do camo have you thought about dipping it instead of spray paint? You could have used the stripper on the riser too.
If you're sanding your ass off, you're doing it wrong. Just so you know. Maybe stand farther away from the sandpaper?
Steve. The riser looks real good. You could put a few coats of satin poly on it or get some Minwax Antique Oil Finish. Just apply the oil finish with your finger then with some 600 grit wet/dry paper sand it in going in the direction of the grain, you will get a slurry build up but that will help fill the pours in the grain. Then just whip the slurry off with a paper towel let dry for a day or so then give it a fine sanding with 600 grit and water and apply another coat with your finger, you can do about 5 or 6 coats giving it a light sanding between coats. To help the finish dry add a couple of drops of Japan dryer that way the finish will dry in an hour or so, then if you want a duller finish a rub down with 0000 steel wool will take any shine the finish has. On the limbs just use a satin poly finish.
WOW, turned out pretty good Steve. When you said there was some good looking wood on under the paint you weren't lying!!!!!
This thread should have been called "Pimp my bow" , nice looking riser and with a bit of stain or oil will look even better mate . Post the results , after your elbow stops aching from all the rubbing you gotta do .
Thanks for the Info Russ, I'm headed to town here shortly In hopes of getting the stuff you suggested. I hope Menard's carry's this stuff.
Steve. Look for this stuff:d Dont get the big containers like I have. About a dip can lid full will be about all you will need per coat.
Question for ya Russel, do I put this finish (Minwax) on the fiberglass on the limbs as well? I'm guessing yes but not sure. If so what do I do to the fiberglass In preparation of that?
Steve. Just use that for the riser you need it to work it in. It is ok for the limbs but Polly is better for covering fiberglass.
