As a side note, I have heard from other people making Long bo's who use other techniques. I received an email from one gentlman who is using a spoke shave to make bos. I've settled on a final sanding with a 100 grit wood sandpaper. I found that a Danish Finish, color to suit, works well. I recommend only two coats.
Additional coats have a tendency to make the finish smoother.
Experienced practitioners have a few tricks like hooking the thumb over the end of the forefinger when spinning the bo at high speeds to keep it in hand. Another finish was recommend to me by a person who has made a number of bo's used in competition. His typical finish is to put about 3 coats of carnauba wax on them, which wears off the important parts with a little use but still protects most of the bo. Half the battle is remembering them. The book can help you visualize.