Refinishing old recurve

[tmal]

Can someone give me suggestions for refinishing an old recurve bow?* I normally shoot compound, but have an old recurve that I acquired about a year ago to give trad archery a try.* My best guestimate by doing serches and looking at pictures and info is that it is a Wing Falcon (45# at 28" 62" long) at least that is what it pulls on my scale.* I have shot this bow a little and from what I can tell it shoots great except for operator error (inexperienced)

All the finish and markings had been removed from the bow before I got it.* I just wanted to put something on it to make it not look so rough and protect the wood.* Would something like Tung oil from the hardware store work, and if so how would I go about preparing and applying it?* Also what do I do about the glass to make it not be so dull.* I think someone lightly sanded everything.* Any and all help and suggestions would be appreciated.

Tommy

[slimpikins]

is there a clear finish left on the bow, or is it just a glass finish?

[tmal]

I believe someone took something like fine steel wool to the entire bow, wood, glass and all. The wood feels and looks like it may have some type of oil or residue into the grain but not filling the grain to the top if that makes any sense. That is the reason I am thinking I might have to go back with some type of oil finish as a polyurathane type finish may not stick. The glass on the limbs is dull and has no gloss at all. This will just be a shooter/plinker so I am not too much worried about beauty but more for protection. I had even given some thought to trying to radius/crown the arrow shelf and side plate slightly but was afraid that might weaken the bow and would probably be of little benefit. Hey this is just a tinker project and I picked it up cheap.

Thanks
Tommy

[slimpikins]

i used aerosol paint striper to take the clear off of an old pearson mustang and put a clear back on it. i dont know if thats what your bow needs to have done to it or not. im not sure if im understanding you right or not. if you take your time you can make it look as good as new

[Razorhead]

I asked someone in "the know" and was told to hose it down with spray polyurethane. He said hit it from 12" away, wait an hour, hit it again. Rub it with 0000 wool after a couple days and repeat. Should set me back about $12 at Lowe's.