Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Arrowind on April 13, 2012, 11:42:13 pm

Title: Bending wood with steam...again?
Post by: Arrowind on April 13, 2012, 11:42:13 pm

I'm working on a recurve.  It's ready for bending.   Last night I had on limb steaming for about 40minutes. 

I put it in my form (which is made from a 2x6) started to push down and CRACK! POP! the end of the form came off.  :o :-[ >:(

Glad it wasn't the bow making that noise...anyway now I have a limb that has been steamed but not bent.  And of course is cool now.

My question is....can I steam it again and bend it as normal?  or does the original steaming weaking it too much to try again?

 

Title: Re: Bending wood with steam...again?
Post by: Pat B on April 14, 2012, 12:28:05 am

You can steam and bend again with no worries. Be sure you get it hot enough and have your form and clamps are ready. Wood cools quickly.  ;)

Title: Re: Bending wood with steam...again?
Post by: Arrowind on April 14, 2012, 01:14:06 am

Awesome.  Thanks!

Title: Re: Bending wood with steam...again?
Post by: Bryce on April 14, 2012, 05:46:02 am

Soak it in water for a couple days. Then steam 30 mins. Per 1/2in. Then put it in the form and hold it over the steam and get all the bend in at once.