Afraid I made a terrible mistake

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 01:07:00 PM

I got my new longbow this wednesday - a T-Hawk Diamond 'SS'. Yesterday, after a shooting session, I took a slightly moist ragcloth (and I litterally mean slightly moist, not wet), and gently cleaned the bow limbs.

And then... I noticed that the bamboo on the back started looking darker. The yew on the belly didn't change color at all. My first thought was: "Oh hell no, don't tell me that I ruined the wood now?" - so my question is... did I? I mean, the wood is covered with fiberglass laminations, so how is it even possible?

Note that I quickly grabbed a dry ragcloth to fix any possible damage, and then waxed the limbs afterwards.

VA Bowbender · May 26, 2009, 01:16:00 PM

You should be able to drown the bow all day in the pouring rain, trip into a beaver pond on your way back from hunting, forget you left it in the bed of the truck on your way home, get home wipe it off and it should be as good as the day you got it. If not something was wrong with it, send it back and get a new one from them.

Tim Fishell · May 26, 2009, 01:17:00 PM

Even a wipe down with a wet cloth should not have had any effect on the bow. I have had bows out in pouring rainstorms and came home and wiped them down and put them on the rack to dry with no ill effects.

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 01:30:00 PM

Well, it performed quite alright today. Still looks to me like the limbs are darker than usual at some places. Even looks like it has a few brown spots. I fear the worst...

snag · May 26, 2009, 01:39:00 PM

Any change in color or spotting is the results of a poor finish. The finish is meant to protect the wood from the elements. I'd be talking to someone!

allan f · May 26, 2009, 01:44:00 PM

Give Three Rivers a call and let them know I'm sure they will be happy to help. I'm also in the camp that you can shower with good bow and still be able to shoot it without a worry. Many are the day I have sat in the rain with mine and no problem.

Allan

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 02:00:00 PM

Just mailed Shawn from 3 Rivers. Awaiting a reply.

I really, really hope that there's nothing wrong :(

Bjorn · May 26, 2009, 02:07:00 PM

The THawks are bullet proof-could there have been some fine dust on the bow perhaps? I have had bows accumulate some wierd stuff from the machinery in shipping no matter how well packed.
Not only is there the finish for protection but a layer of glass over any wood, and then finish on top of that.

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 02:14:00 PM

It also seems like a very solid bow to me. I really don't understand. It could also be the wax that I put on afterwards, but that would be weird, since the wax is made for wood and leather.

Dust on the bow? When I recieved it, you mean?

dino · May 26, 2009, 02:40:00 PM

Andreas,
There is no way that you could have harmed the bow with a damp rag. Bjorn is exacly right that the glass over the wood is layer of protection, besides the finish. I could see that wiping it down would change the appearance but its not going to penetrate. I've also hunted for days in the rain and have yet to ruin a bow. I think your good there. Now 100% deet will put a hurt on your bow finish. I've ruined the finish on a couple with deet

Don't try that one! dino

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 02:46:00 PM

DEET? You mean, insect-repellant?

I could imagine the bow not liking that!

wollelybugger · May 26, 2009, 03:27:00 PM

I hate when bugs bite my bow.

James Wrenn · May 26, 2009, 03:41:00 PM

Nothing a little spray paint won't take care of. :D

Really there is no way you did anything to hurt the bow or make changes in color.Maybe you were so excited you never got a good look at the bow untill you washed it.

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 03:46:00 PM

"Maybe you were so excited you never got a good look at the bow untill you washed it."

It may be so James, it may be so. It still performs, so I might just be imagining this. But I still find the color of the tonkin cane bamboo weird.

bretto · May 26, 2009, 03:58:00 PM

My Tomahawk SS has been in several rainstorms :rolleyes: It has never shown any change. The Bamboo has some streaks in it though. Not from the moisture, it's just the color of the bamboo.

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 04:07:00 PM

Bretto: Unable to see pictures :(

bretto · May 26, 2009, 04:10:00 PM

Ya I had to delete them I couldn't get them to work. When My Daughter gets home I'll try and add them back. Sorry, I'm still a little slow on Computer stuff.

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 04:15:00 PM

That's alright. Just glad you're taking the time to comfort my soul

Danny Rowan · May 26, 2009, 04:28:00 PM

Tonkin cane can have streaks and blotches in it, it is natural. Do not worry about it. Your bow is fine.

Danny

TheFatboy · May 26, 2009, 04:37:00 PM

Truly? Is it natural? You saved my day