Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Thesquirrelslinger on May 16, 2013, 08:42:33 pm

Title: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on May 16, 2013, 08:42:33 pm
Well... I don't have a heat gun. I need to straighten some shafts... can a brazing torch do the job?
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: aaron on May 16, 2013, 08:52:51 pm
it will work, be careful- easy to knock over. also easy to over heat.
other things to try:
stovetop
candle
charcoal briquettes
I usually use several pieces of charcoal in a small cast iron pan
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Youngboyer2(billyf) on May 16, 2013, 08:53:32 pm
I use a candle(I don't have a heat gun either), too much heat will burn and weaken the shaft
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Olanigw (Pekane) on May 16, 2013, 09:34:04 pm
charcoal in a flower pot would serve you better.  I used my stovetop but it was a pain.
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Pat B on May 16, 2013, 11:55:08 pm
I do all shaft straightening over the kitchen stove(gas), cane and hardwood shoots.
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: JackCrafty on May 17, 2013, 01:54:19 am
Yes, the torch will work but you must keep a good distance from the wood.  Small fires will cost you less in the long run but the torch saves a lot of time.
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on May 17, 2013, 09:58:14 pm
Yes, the torch will work but you must keep a good distance from the wood.  Small fires will cost you less in the long run but the torch saves a lot of time.
Well, I just thought that it had to be a HOT source of heat, and had to be concentrated to straighten stuff. Now that I know charcoal works, thats what Ill use.
Thanks, squirrel
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Slackbunny on May 18, 2013, 10:54:13 pm
I've had really good results using just my stove top. My second choice would be a candle.
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: bhenders on May 20, 2013, 10:37:47 am
Yes, the torch will work but you must keep a good distance from the wood.  Small fires will cost you less in the long run but the torch saves a lot of time.
Well, I just thought that it had to be a HOT source of heat, and had to be concentrated to straighten stuff. Now that I know charcoal works, thats what Ill use.
Thanks, squirrel

If the bamboo gets too hot you will damage it.  If it starts to turn very dark, it's toast - literally...  lol.
If it's just about too hot to touch, it's the right temperature - wear gloves anyway to save your finger tips.  Bamboo gets very 'plastic' at the right temperature. 

Use a straightening tool, it's what they were invented for.  I'll have to post the one I made out of scrap.  It's got a slot cut in it and I used a dremel tool to dish out the tool on the sides where the shaft fits so you don't put 'crimps' in the shaft.  The latest ones I've made can be used with either hand (I put the 'dish' on both sides of the tool.  (I've just got to find my camera now... )
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on May 20, 2013, 05:47:50 pm
Well... I just got a nice little magnesium-cerium firestarter.... so i need the practice. you know what makes a HOT little fire? Elm wood shavings... from a bow :P
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Dan K on May 23, 2013, 10:52:25 pm
I like to straighten shafts while I'm grillin' burgers. Works great!
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: crooketarrow on May 24, 2013, 09:48:19 am
  Thats a lot of heat quick a candle would work better you can control the heat to a small areas better. Get sero with a wick. Use to keep foods hot.  A lot of stafts in a can.
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: RBLusthaus on May 24, 2013, 05:33:18 pm
I have trouble with the candle as the smoke from the candle tends to stain the shaft.  I use a heat gun/ 
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on May 24, 2013, 06:17:10 pm
  Thats a lot of heat quick a candle would work better you can control the heat to a small areas better. Get sero with a wick. Use to keep foods hot.  A lot of stafts in a can.
Thanks! I intend to try the candle... let me go talk to parents...
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Dan K on May 25, 2013, 05:14:03 am
Heat is heat.  too much is an element of time.  I streatened a dozens shafts on a wood burning stove this spring and they all turned out great.  I've been shooting them for a couple months and their still straight as an arrow :o

With practice you can use anything.  A candle works good when you're setting in front of the tv with the family.  Quiet and effective.  It does leave black marks but hey...adds character right!
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: Thesquirrelslinger on May 25, 2013, 01:43:47 pm
Heat is heat.  too much is an element of time.  I streatened a dozens shafts on a wood burning stove this spring and they all turned out great.  I've been shooting them for a couple months and their still straight as an arrow :o

With practice you can use anything.  A candle works good when you're setting in front of the tv with the family.  Quiet and effective.  It does leave black marks but hey...adds character right!
well, if sister just sprayed half a can of hairspray into her hair, it can get explosive  :o :o
I don't watch TV much :P
Candles do add little black marks... they look kinda cool.
Title: Re: Propane torch for straightening shafts
Post by: crooketarrow on May 26, 2013, 02:50:21 pm
   I never had a problem with the camo look of the burn the candle leaves. Use cooking oil with the candle dose not leave as much use'lly what it dose, sand the little it leaves. Use a sero with a wick no black candle smoke. No matter what to use if you over heat it leaves a burnt mark.
   I make a mold the go's over my heat guns nosile. Which narrows the heat down to 1/4,1/2 inch. To keep from takeing out close beens you just straighten. I also use cooking oil just like you'd on beening staves. I found out useing it seams to heat up fast helps with black marks with breakage and helps with memory.