Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: iowabow on August 04, 2011, 05:53:18 pm

Title: heat question
Post by: iowabow on August 04, 2011, 05:53:18 pm

I decided to take my 70inch bow that had a large handle and cut it down and change the fades. I also wanted to practice heating the new stave in the caul I built.  I know that the reflex will be lost but I wanted to practice the process before I start on another bow I started in TN.  OK so my question is how long after heating the bow in the caul before I remove the clamps.

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: BowJunkie on August 05, 2011, 01:18:36 am

If it were me, I would clamp it up before I go to bed.
Then unclamp it the next day, just to be on the safe side.
The goal is to make sure it is completely cooled off before you unclamp.

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: Will H on August 05, 2011, 08:00:24 am

Overnight is a safe bet but I've taken bows off the caul as early as 2 hours after heating with good results.  ;)

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: iowabow on August 05, 2011, 10:19:02 am

I heard people talking about the classic and they said that bows were being made and then shot in three days so I figured the process was condensed some what.  I bet like most things waiting is best.   I like most people want to do thing as fast as possible.  Will that bow of yours that you showed me in TN was real nice.  How did you apply the finish and was that tru oil?  Did you get to making points yet? 

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on August 05, 2011, 10:29:06 am

I take osage off my cauls within an hour or so usually. It doesnt move anymore than when I wait 12-15 hours. Im not sure what type of wood your talking about. Whitewood I let sit over night at most.

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: iowabow on August 05, 2011, 12:43:52 pm

The wood I have is osage.  This is a rebuild of my 70inch bow.  I did not build it well so I am experementing with a few changes.

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: iowabow on August 05, 2011, 12:50:01 pm

Here are a couple of pictures I just took.  I have not cut the tips back yet.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m559/iowabow2/2011-08-05091447.jpg)
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m559/iowabow2/2011-08-05091418.jpg)

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: iowabow on August 05, 2011, 01:12:48 pm

This is what it looked like before I started. 
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m559/iowabow2/2010-12-15053036.jpg)

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: iowabow on August 05, 2011, 06:48:18 pm

Well if you have any thoughts they are welcome.  Here is where I am at for now.
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m559/iowabow2/2011-08-05145906.jpg)

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: Will H on August 05, 2011, 07:44:39 pm

Thanks John, it was truoil applied with a lint free cloth. I burnished the bow first so I didn't have to apply as many coats as usual. I haven't had a chance to do much knappin this week. I'm off this weekend so maybe I'll get lucky and make a few points. Also, that bow looks alot better with the shortened handle! Good job! If you want to get the colors to match up after working that bow I overheard Shannon say that acetone will do the trick. Haven't tried that myself but Ill bet it works.  ;)

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: lowell on August 05, 2011, 09:43:40 pm

Looking good but I'd like it to be bending a little more at the fades....maybe those first 5 inches or so. 

Title: Re: heat question
Post by: gstoneberg on August 05, 2011, 10:13:26 pm

Brace looks good, curious to see it bending and find out how the tiller changed for you.

George