bow blank prep

[Nesbo1482]

Okay so I bought a bow blank from Gary Davis.  It has the finish on it from steaming and straightening.  Do I sand it off before floor tillering?  If so, with what grit? and do I also sand the back of the bow as well?

Thank you for your time,

[broketooth]

i would just start the tillering process no sanding needed. when you start scraping you will take the shellac off anyway thats what was used to protect it from the steaming process.

[Pat B]

...and leave the shellac on the back to protect it until you are ready to finish the bow.
 You'll probably find that stave is floor tillered already so you should be able to start on the long string to see how it bends.

[frank bullitt]

Michael, yes like said, leave it until your finished.

More than likely, that finish is wood glue.

Gary uses it most, and I have had a few of his blanks over the years! Easy to sand off when your ready, too!