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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: AlanF on June 11, 2013, 06:19:00 PM

Title: Getting oil out of an old bow
Post by: AlanF on June 11, 2013, 06:19:00 PM
I'm looking at finishing an old bow that was never finished by the bowyer (I'm guessing from the 50's or 60's).  It appears to have an oil stain and a few water marks on the side of the riser.  Is there any way to remove the oil from the wood and/or reduce the water stains?  This is a very neat bow and would make a fine shooter I'm guessing.  Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Getting oil out of an old bow
Post by: macbow on June 11, 2013, 06:55:00 PM
Here is a quote from the net for what it is worth.

Guest
I met a very wise man once who told me I could take an oil or grease stain out of wood with table salt. He was right it worked! I placed a layer of salt over the area and let it sit for a few days, then brused away the salt and repeated this process until the salt pulled all of the oil out of the wood. Be patient this took some time but really did work. I sanded and refished my project in the normal manner and had no problems with my finish.

My other thought is just sand with fine grit paper and,leave the
Aging marks.

Pictures?
Title: Re: Getting oil out of an old bow
Post by: rainman on June 11, 2013, 07:07:00 PM
Go to Brownells the gunsmith supplier.  They have a product that is made specifically for taking oil out of wood.
Title: Re: Getting oil out of an old bow
Post by: AlanF on June 11, 2013, 07:08:00 PM
Here's a picture...

 (http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm319/calhoonfan/OldBow.jpg) (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/calhoonfan/media/OldBow.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Getting oil out of an old bow
Post by: macbow on June 11, 2013, 07:19:00 PM
Thanks looks like a worth while project.
Title: Re: Getting oil out of an old bow
Post by: AlanF on June 12, 2013, 05:56:00 AM
Thanks for the advice.  The salt is certainly interesting...