heat bending

[hntr]

So I have a floor tillered Hickory board bow I would like to put some recurve in before I glue on the Bamboo Backing so there is less stress on the glue between the wood and bamboo.  I would like to use a heat gun to do so.  Do I need to use oil on the belly and then heat that side while I'm pregressively cranking down a clamp?  How do I get the oil out of the wood after I bend it?  What kind of oil do I use?

Thanks

[snedeker]

A little cooking oil works fine.  No need to worry about getting it out afterward.  Doesn't really penetrate.  A quick wipe with thinner will do.

Dave