New weapons:
Many new weapons have fine scratches
from the manufacturing process. To remove the scratches begin by sanding with
the grain using
150 grit sandpaper
. To preserve the crisp edges of flat surfaces
(such as the back of a bokken) wrap the sandpaper around a small wood block. Use
of a block is not required for curved surfaces.
Once the fine scratches have been removed, 220 grit sandpaper will make an even smoother surface and prepare the surface for oil.
Older weapons:
Heavy dents or splinters can be
removed by using 60 grit sandpaper or, if necessary, a rasp. Then sand the wood
with progressively finer grit sandpaper to at least 220 grit.
Optional: For the very smoothest surface progress to 320 grit sandpaper before applying oil.
WARNING!!!
Tung and boiled
linseed oil pose a spontaneous combustion hazard! Do not leave oily rags wadded
up! As the oils dry they generate heat. Dispose of oily rags by burning in a
controlled area or dry them by exposing the entire surface evenly to air above
40 degrees Fahrenheit. The safest way is to hang them outside on a chain-link
fence until dry.
Optional: For new or heavily-sanded weapons, a
first coat of conditioner made of equal parts weapon oil and turpentine will
provide maximum penetration. Mix approximately two tablespoons of weapon oil and
turpentine for each weapon to be treated.
Apply it as you would the full-strength oil.
To apply oil to the weapon, the use of a #000 steel wool is preferred. Begin by dipping a piece of the steel wool pad in the oil and rubbing it onto the wood in the direction of the grain. A very heavy coat is desirable. Allow the oil to soak into the wood for at least 30 minutes or until the oil starts to become tacky.
Using a lint-free cloth, such as cheesecloth, wipe the excess oil off the wood, again going with the direction of the grain. There will be some areas of the wood that will allow excess oil to seep back to the surface. It is necessary to wipe the weapon periodically over the next several hours. The oil will be dry in 24 hours at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the oil is dry additional coats can be applied in the same manner. It is preferred to give the weapon a light sanding with 400-grit sandpaper between coats. A minimum of three coats should be applied before using a new weapon. In addition, it is desirable to apply a new coat of oil every time the seasons change.
To maximize the life of your wooden weapons, do not store them in extremes of temperature or humidity. Examples would be near a heater, air conditioner, basement, bathroom, vehicle, etc. Do not store them with weight on them or in direct sunlight as they will likely warp.