Stripping shafts

[Kevin L.]

Is there any way to tell what kind of finish is on a shaft? I received some in a trade and they need to be stripped and started over. I figured if I knew what was on them, then I could use a proper solvent to remove it.

TIA

Kevin

[madness522]

sand paper will remove just about any finish. just take care to wear a dust mask of some type.

[killinstuff]

I wouldn't worry so much about the finsh type but if there is wax on them that keep a new finsh from sticking.

[Kevin L.]

The finish is uneven and a poor attempt at cresting was done, so I'm trying to get them down to bare wood without changing the spine. I have 3M Safest Stripper that I think I'm going to try. Sandpaper will be the last resort, since I need to keep them at 55# or so for my longbow.

[blueslfb]

I have used paint stripper on wooden shafts before and it works great.  After you let it sit for a few minutes use steel wool and wipe the gunk off. It will not affect the spine at all.

[M60gunner]

I use aircraft stripper that I get at the auto paint store. It is a chemical base and very strong. It eats latex gloves for lunch. That said, it works on wood, alum., and carbon shafts.
I tried those water base removers and they work on most paints but not Fletch-Lac paints. I also have a problem putting any water base products on wood shafts that needs to "soak" while it is working or drying. I know the moisture in cedar is an oil but I also have seen water based stains raise the grain. That means if you want a smooth finish you have to sand or at the very least steel wool the shafts.
You may still have a discolored shaft after stripping depending on the what type of paint and what color the old finish is.