My bow is tillered... now what?

[Nesbo1482]

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.

[PEARL DRUMS]

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.

[Art B]

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    .

[rainman]

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.

[Roy from Pa]

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