Filling Screw Holes Browning Cobra II

[Peck Price]

My first post ran a little long, so I will ask my second question here.  I have just gotten a Browning Cobra II recurve bow.  There were some surface/finish bubbles on the handle/riser.  I am not a complete novice when it comes to woodworking so I am going to refinish my recurve before I start shooting.  From my research, I have settled on tru-oil for the finish.  Please chime in if I should use something else.  Also, there are a total of 4 small screw holes where sights have been in the past.  I would like to fill these holes for strength and to keep moisture out.  What is my best bet for filling the holes?  Thanks, I appreciate your all's patience.

[Jack Shanks]

If the holes are very large I use a piece of dowel slightly less in diameter and length then expoxy it in. Fill the top flush using color matching wax stick.

[Jack Shanks]

Here is a bow I sold recently that had a couple holes from a quiver that I did that way and refinished with Tru Oil. Actually i touched up the wax filler with some acrylic paint to get a better match with the wood.

 

[Peck Price]

Thanks, I holes are small, but you have gotten me on the right track

[reddogge]

Where on the bow are the holes, belly, back or riser?

[Peck Price]

There are 2 sets of 2 holes on each side of the "sight window", apparently, a previous owner installed sights on both sides of the riser (I am guessing not at the same time    )  The holes aren't really a bother, I just wanted to fill them before refinishing to keep moisture out.  Thanks.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

you want to see sights on a browning cobra II?

I'll be filling in these screw holes, Picked the bow up today, so I'll be watching this thread.

   

[Peck Price]

Thanks for the pic, that is almost exactly where the holes are in my bow, but on both sides of the riser.  I have worked with wood quite a bit, as does my father, so I am not completely in the dark.  I was just curious if one method or product stood head and shoulders above the rest.  Thanks again.

[d. ward]

you may also want to check out restoration 101 at the top of this forum.There is some great info in there on repairing holes in wood or fiberglass bd

[Jack Shanks]

Yes, Doc and I should have mentioned that too.

[wadde]

Jack, what do you use to fill those real small holes?

[Jack Shanks]

Steve,

 I have used expoxy and a tooth pick and have used just plastic wood filler like Rich explains on his site for small shallow holes. Packed it in with a drill bit like he suggested.

[Peck Price]

Thanks fellows, I ended up using tooth picks and epoxy to fill the holes.  I used some black paint to "touch up" the repairs and I am in the process of putting the finishing touches on the final coat of finish.