Author Topic: How fast does maple gain moisture?  (Read 2435 times)

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Offline Lee Lobbestael

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How fast does maple gain moisture?
« on: October 15, 2014, 09:35:26 pm »
I have a maple bow I am almost done tillering but it has been rainy and damp the last few days and I don't know if I should go ahead and finish tillering or wait till this weekend when I can dry it by the woodstove? What do you guys think?

Offline Pat B

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2014, 11:19:25 pm »
Its not good to finish a bow during wet weather not only because the wood holds moisture but it adversely can affect the finish. I'd give it a few days.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline wizardgoat

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2014, 01:51:10 am »
In Vancouver if i had to wait for a dry day to finish a bow I'd never finish one!
when i start bending a bow it comes inside where its warm and dry after everytime i work it.
i also tung oil inside my kitchen when its raining and wet outside.

Offline Badger

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2014, 02:26:36 am »
  I live in a fairly humid climate most of the time on the coast in So Cal, we average about 65%.  I like the way maple responds to the climate here. I am guessing it settles in around 10%.

mikekeswick

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #4 on: October 16, 2014, 02:35:50 am »
I've found maple to be good in my climate too. All winter is above 80% humidity.....

Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #5 on: October 16, 2014, 06:09:01 am »
Ok thanks guys. I really need to get a moisture meter

Offline Will H

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #6 on: October 16, 2014, 08:50:43 am »
Ok thanks guys. I really need to get a moisture meter

Moisture meters are great for building lam bows with thin layers that can accurately be read. But with staves, bow blanks, and bows they aren't much good. I reccomend you learn more about eqlibrium moisture content and use this chart to give you a better idea of where your wood is at with MC.
Proud Member of Twin Oaks Bowhunters
           Clarksville, Tennessee

   "Middle Tennessee is the place to be"

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #7 on: October 16, 2014, 09:14:28 am »
My moisture meter takes surface readings. I just keep using it as I work the bow. When I get a reading >10%, I stop and let it dry by a heat source if possible.
I like 8-10% for all woods except hickory which works best at 6-8%.
Set Happens!
If you ain't breakin' you ain't makin!

Offline burchett.donald

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #8 on: October 16, 2014, 09:20:06 am »
  I like that chart Will  8)
                                       Don
Genesis 27:3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;

Offline Will H

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #9 on: October 16, 2014, 01:29:14 pm »
George, I didn't mean to say they didn't have their place in making bows. I just wanted to make sure he knew there was an alternative to spending $100 plus on an instrument to measure moisture when a ten dollar thermometer from the store that shows RH will achieve the same thing.
Proud Member of Twin Oaks Bowhunters
           Clarksville, Tennessee

   "Middle Tennessee is the place to be"

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
« Reply #10 on: October 16, 2014, 07:11:46 pm »
Will, no problem. Jawge
Set Happens!
If you ain't breakin' you ain't makin!