Moisture content & bow storage

[Red Dwarf]

After having made a few board bows and self bows in my outside workshop I decided to move by workbench into my basement so that I could build a couple of bows over the snowy winter.
My first two attempts failed spectacularly on the tillering tree, even though I thought that the tiller was looking OK.
Those with far more know;edge than I suggested that MC might be the problem and so I set up a meter in my basement and found to my surprise that I have a RH of 35% with a temp. of 20 deg. Celsius.

Do any of you guys have any suggestions for storing bows/blanks to maintain a reasonable MC when working in a low RH?
Also, I would be interested to hear thoughts on what a bow's MC is likely to be when stored for months at 35% relative humidity?


Thanks for all of the help that I have received so far.

Red Dwarf

[George Tsoukalas]

I found this site for you. I don' think the problem is moisture content but it could be. Did you let the wood set in the cellar for a week or so? What wood are you using?
http://www.woodbin.com/ref/wood/emc.htm

[Red Dwarf]

George

I first one was yew and the second a hickory backed elm board bow that I posted a picture of earlier this week.

Wood was in the basement for about a week before starting to tiller.

What do you think the MC of the wood is likely to drop to when stored long term in 35% RH?

Thanks for your help and will visit that site later.

Red Dwarf

p.s. This is addictive stuff!