Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: GaryR on January 08, 2012, 07:56:14 pm

Title: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: GaryR on January 08, 2012, 07:56:14 pm

Will my wifes hair dryer do it or do I have to have a heat gun?

$10 harbor freight heat gun yea or nae?

Gary

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: Bevan R. on January 08, 2012, 08:55:55 pm

Go for the heat gun. It can also be used to heat bend bow limbs.
I also picked up a hot plate to use for shaft bending. Some times I need the quiet that you cannot get with a heat gun.

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: Pat B on January 08, 2012, 09:31:31 pm

Heat gun works for all sorts of things.I've heard bad things about the cheap Harbor Freight heat guns. Spend $35 and get a good one.
  I use our gas cook stove to straighten shafting. Has worked well for years.

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: GaryR on January 08, 2012, 10:35:22 pm

I know I have to get a heat gun eventually and I will. I'm just foaming at the mouth to do arrow work right now. I reckon I could use the stove for now.

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: cracker on January 08, 2012, 11:37:18 pm

Dollar store hot plate for about 5.00. Ron

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: bubby on January 09, 2012, 12:20:25 am

a stove will work, mine's electric and i just used to crank up the heat on a burner, that's when i had a harbor freight gun, they die a fast death, lost two in two month's, finally got a decent wagner, heck on the stove i made a 1"1/4" sch 40 pvc pipe horse bow that drew 40# @ 29", took 'bout ten min to get bent, never know what material your gonna have if you need a bow >:D, Bub

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: GaryR on January 09, 2012, 12:54:57 am

Bubby, I think I'll get a wagner on Friday/payday at home depot $23.

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: Prarie Bowyer on January 09, 2012, 01:11:31 am

I use an alchohol burner and some 91% rubbing from walmart.  I have a dentist torch that is on a squeze bottle so ti shoots flame sidewasye for melting my sculpting clay.  Any alchohol burner will work.  Keep it moving and you won't get burnt spots.

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: Josh B on January 09, 2012, 11:08:32 am

Sterno cans for camping work pretty good when you don't have access to electricity.  Josh

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: sadiejane on January 09, 2012, 01:26:32 pm

have a heat gun but dont use it on arrows.
prefer the gas stove burner
or when i feel it, a nice fire in the firepit out back.
thats what i will be using today. its just right outside for a fire this morning.

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: Tom Leemans on January 09, 2012, 01:33:40 pm

I have a cheap Wagner heat gun (only 1 heat setting) for when there's electricity and a single burner propane camp stove (one of those that screws on to a propane cylinder) for when there isn't. You can prop the heat gun facing up in one of those quick clamps.

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: seabass on January 09, 2012, 05:22:58 pm

single burner coleman propane cook stove.i have used it on rivercane and multiflora rose.cheap and works really well.good luck,Steve

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: triggerfinger on January 12, 2012, 01:52:43 am

I like the alcohol torch myself.  It's not so hot that you have to be crazy careful and its easy to use.   I bet you could make one out of an oil lamp, same principle different fuel

Title: Re: heat source for straightening shafts
Post by: randman on January 12, 2012, 03:14:52 am

I use the alcohol torch. Very quiet! works like a champ. Just got to remember it's burning - open flame and all. Don't want to walk away and leave it. Don't ask me how I know.