So, I needed a few items for the bows (yup, started on a board bow before I've even finished with my laminated one...) I'm building and took a trip to Home Depot yesterday.  Got a 6" round file for string grooves, but it's way too thick-I think it's about 1/4" at the widest point.  Called around and found out they have round chainsaw files that are much smaller.  First question is what size file do I want for string grooves?  I think the guy said they carried 3/16", 5/32", and I think 7/32"?

Also, I've decided to try out the Tru Oil and Spar Urethane finish for the bows.  I found Tung Oil and "Teak Oil" at Home Depot, but no Tru Oil.  Any ideas on places that carry it in stock or should I look somewhere other than in the paint section?  One last question reference the Tru Oil-a friend asked if the oil would "cure" so to speak before putting the urethane on?  It looks like a lot of you use the combo and I'm assuming there's no issue here?  That being said, how long should the bow sit after the last coat of Tru Oil and beginning the urethane?

Thanks


Jeremy

5/32 chain saw file is what I use.

Tru-oil is gunstock finish. My local walmart used to carry it in the gun cleaning section but no longer do. Lowe's or Home Depot won't have it, the local gun store might.

Let tru-oil dry for a day or so before you spray spar urethane.

Thanks, Eric-I sure appreciate it.


Jeremy

check ace hardware stores also check out pro-fin finnish

Tongue oil is great stuff. You need the type you wipe on, wait about 6 minutes and wipe off. Spar  Urethane is nice too, I have found it to be better than polyurethane. A hobby shop might have smaller round files.

I use the 5/32 chainsaw files too, you can get them from Lowes in a 2 pack.

i use hacksaw blades to cut the nocks first to get them straight then progress to an 1/8 inch chainsaw file for tillering then a rattail file for finish. the hacksaw blade helps me to keep the angle right initially. as far as other tools i use a surform rasp and a 4 way rasp/file for the majority of the work, the 4 way is nice for rounding edges before sanding and doing light work on stiff spots. board bows are fun to build and can be challenging depending on what youre building from, i almost exclusively build nothing but board bows now for that reason till i can get good staves so feel free to email me if you have any questions. Jawge is also very well versed in building from board staves. have fun and good luck.

 Richard

If you have a local Kmart store they might have Tru-oil, if not 3 RIVERS ARCHERY has it.

Thanks everyone-got the right file and found tru oil at Cabelas.


Jeremy

Why do you use spar urethane over Tru-oil?

Canadabowyer-

Well, this is my first bow and this particular combination is one that I read others have used.  I'm assuming (from what I've read) that the tru oil puts some moisture back into the wood and the spar urethane over the top of everything gives a bit more of a weather-resistant coat over the whole thing (since mine has glass belly and back)?  I mostly just figured if so many others have apparently used it, I'd give it a try for a cheap and easy way to go.


Jeremy

Thanks Jeremy, I have finished a few with Tru-oil and one of the great features of Tru-oil is it is so easy to refinish if needed. Just rub out with 0000 steel wool and recoat.It isn't as durable as some of the varnishes but easier to refinish.  Bob

If you have an "Academy" store they carry true oil as well    

Mike

There are buildalongs on my site. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/