reflexing question

[The Gopher]

I am new to heat bending bows, in the past I've just left them add they were. I'm starting to try it and really like it, but i have a question. When you guys have a bow on a caul like the one pearl drums posted a few days ago and you remove the clamps are you getting any springback? Should the bow totally match the shape of the caul? I am just wondering if i am giving it enough heat or if it is normal. The bow in question was hickory and i have heard that is harder to reflex? Thanks guys.

[k-hat]

Ya my experience is hickory is harder to reflex.  I had one that had almost no springback, but i tempered the dog out of it to get that.  You can always expect a little springback, some woods more than others, but if you're getting a lot then you're not heating deeply enough.

[PEARL DRUMS]

30% is " normal ". Sometimes less and sometimes more.

[BOWMAN53]

I just reflexed a hickory board. I had to soak the tips for 24 hours and boil not steam for 3hours. It does spring back a little bit. If you want a more dramatic curve just mske your form more dramatic

[Pat B]

I think hickory reacts better to boiling or steaming.  I have had dry heat recurves pull out of a hickory bow.