Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: amberb_57 on October 03, 2010, 05:44:44 pm

Title: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: amberb_57 on October 03, 2010, 05:44:44 pm

I was wondering what bow builders think of finishing a bow with linseed oil instead of a more modern finish.  Also, will it work on a linen backing?  I'm building my second bow right now, just oak from a board from the lumber store, it's 72 inches long right now, I'm going for a medieval type long bow.  Anyway, I just put a linen backing on the first bow with titebond 3, also oak from a board, and I'd like to finish it with linseed oil if that will work.  I'm also planning on using it on the bow I'm roughing out right now.
  Thanks for any information!
Amber

Title: Re: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: DustinDees on October 03, 2010, 06:27:22 pm

I have finished bows with boiled linseed oil. It makes a great look but doesn't provide much for humidity resistance(so I've been told). In short the finish is entirely up to you weather it be linseed, bees wax, or tru-oil or one of tons of commercial finishes. My personal preferance is for tru-oil after hearing the suggestion from many on the board once you try it you'll be hooked. Hope this helps.

Reguards
Dustin D

Title: Re: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: El Destructo on October 03, 2010, 06:40:12 pm

Amber...I have used Linseed Oil over the Years...and have always liked the Finish I got from it...If you seal it three or four times with it...then do it again once or twice a year for the life of the Bow....it will give you a very servicable finish....JMO

Title: Re: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: adb on October 04, 2010, 12:51:42 am

Sure, Linseed oil makes a fine finish.

Title: Re: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: CraigMBeckett on October 04, 2010, 04:45:11 am

Amber,

I generally use linseed oil, applied in the way an old cabinetmaker advised, one coat an hour for a day followed by one coat a week for a month etc. I rarely get past the one coat per week :) I then finish with a beeswax/pure gum turpentine mixture, (produces a nice paste) which is rubbed on, allowed to dray and then polished. Produces a beautiful finish that is readily maintained.

Craig.

Title: Re: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: jimmy on October 04, 2010, 04:10:11 pm

i finish my bows with linseed oil. i very frequently apply it and then wipe off the excess. i accidently left my bow outside all night in a rain storm. no negative effects. granted, it was osage and very saturated with oil from a few years of applications, but i like linseed oil a lot.

Title: Re: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: PeteC on October 04, 2010, 09:55:26 pm

Use Boiled linseed oil.It will dry a lot quicker than the un-boiled kind. It makes for a great finish,and, as all finishes with linseed oil,the wood will darken more than with other finishes. I like it though.Even Tru-oil has linseed in it. God Bless

Title: Re: Linseed oil on a bow?
Post by: amberb_57 on October 07, 2010, 12:34:27 am

Thanks a lot for the information!