Hello all,

I just finished tillering a bow blank from Gary Davis and couldn't be happier with the results.  Now that I'm done could I get some advice on what grits of sand paper to use and this may sound stupid (I'm a newbie) but do I also sand the back of the bow as well.  Thank you for all comments.

Sand the whole bow, take it easy on the back though. I start with 220 and work up to 600 grit. Then finish with OOOO steel wool.

I only use several grits when sanding. I start with 120 grit to begin with, then 180 grit. I keep some well worn 220 grit for finishing up. Burnish from there. I've used the lighter grits that Pearly mentiond, but honestly, I can't tell the difference once the finish is applied. Might be these old eyes has something to do with it    .

If you use a penetrating finish going to the higher grits makes it hareder for the finish to actuall penetrate the woo.  I stop at 180 on the wood then use the higher grits once the finish has started to build up.

220 is fine, 320 at the most. Your gonna shoot it and hunt with it, so it's gonna get nicked up anyways.