Finish Question

[Hill Hunter]

What will happen if I shoot my bow after only 3 days of curing time for Thunderbird 2 part?
 I leave for Ill on Monday and am going to take the new bow, would really like to shoot it a few days before I go. I usually give it 5 days to cure. just wondering what the consequences of my impatience may be.

[David Flanrey]

Just shot the last coat of TBird on two longbows this morning.  

Been my experience that they are cured pretty well after three days.  That is 72 hours like the instructions say.  I would shoot it regardless.  But I need the practice.        

[Bow man]

David go ahead and take it and enjoy the hunt. A couple more day's would be ideal. If possible cure it these 3 days in low Humidity and keep the area warm where you are curing the bow if possible. 65 to 70 degrees would be ideal.  The 7 day cure time suggestion is for the worst case of curing conditions

[BigJim]

There will be no problems. The finish is very tough after 24 hours and you will see no difference in the curing after 48 hours.

We now leave our bows sit for at least 24 but usually 48 before sanding for last coat. The finish will sand/chalk up real nice as you sand. It is a little tougher to sand, but you won't leave any residue or smudging this way. Just a nicer overall result.
Heating the bow slightly will decrease cure time and won't affect anything...too much heat and it will dry out the wood though. This can cause an issue and if the wood is a little wetter than desirable, may result in a crack.
BigJim

[Hill Hunter]

thanks guys, will post pictures on my first takedown thread.