Main Discussion Area > HowTo's and Build-a-longs
Hazelnut bow build-a-long (fixed pictures)
Gordon:
When I’m done applying the finish, I inspect the bow looking for runs. If I see one, I simply smooth it out with my finger. I then slowly rotate the bow for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the finish flows evenly over all the surfaces.
I turn the bottle of Tru-Oil upside down to prevent it from hardening in the bottle.
In the winter I let the bow dry at least 12 hours between coats. In the summer months it can take as little as 4 hours to dry. Place the bow somewhere warm and dust free to dry.
Gordon:
After a couple of coats have been applied, I’ll sand the skins between coats to remove the little “nibs” at the tips of the scales. With some 220-grit paper I sand lightly in the direction of the scales (from the handle to the tips). Be careful not to overdo this step as it is easy to sand through the skins – a couple of light stokes is sufficient. You’re not trying to smooth the skins in one step – it will happen gradually over the course of several coats.
I’ll also lightly sand the wood surface with 400-grit sandpaper about every 3rd or 4rth coat to remove embedded dust and other surface irregularities. After sanding I wipe the bow down with a clean cloth and then blow any remaining dust off with compressed air.
Here is a close-up of the tip after about 4 coats of finish. In all I will apply about 10-12 coats of finish. But before I go much further I will need to letter the bow.
Nightmyth:
Your craftmanship is worthy of praise Gordon. I have been following this build along, and obtaining the same materials from the same suppliers you have been using. My bow is a simple Maple board bow, but the finish I am applying to it is going to be like yours. We'll see how I fair. ::) (this is my 3rd bow) The only things I may do different on mine is leaving the wood its natural color, and I haven't decided if I will take the snake skins all the way to the tips yet. Your string method really looks cool I may opt to go that way.
Myth
cowboy:
Bow is coming along very smoothly Gordon - looks great so far. One question for ya, why do you not go all the way to the tips with the snake skins? I've heard (or read) PatB say that the serving wrap will abraid your string over time (which is a good reason) is that your reason also? Thanks....
Gordon:
--- Quote ---One question for ya, why do you not go all the way to the tips with the snake skins?
--- End quote ---
Purely decorative Paul. The gentleman I am building this bow for liked the black tips that I did on an ealier bow and wanted the same.
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