Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bigcountry on January 28, 2014, 04:29:54 pm

Title: steam bending hickory
Post by: bigcountry on January 28, 2014, 04:29:54 pm

I have tried and tried to steam bend hickory and it doesn't seem to like to bend like osage.  Kinda hesitate to use dry heat now until its dried out good.

Anyone else have trouble with hic?

Title: Re: steam bending hickory
Post by: BOWMAN53 on January 28, 2014, 04:33:57 pm

hickory bends better if you boil it.

Title: Re: steam bending hickory
Post by: bubby on January 28, 2014, 05:55:51 pm

I posted this a while back give it a try works great, 20 mins per 1/4" thickness http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,44053.msg593455.html#msg593455

Title: Re: steam bending hickory
Post by: VicNova on January 28, 2014, 06:30:23 pm

Yeah, definitely boil them. I boil each tip for an hour and never have trouble.

Title: Re: steam bending hickory
Post by: mwosborn on January 28, 2014, 08:37:52 pm

x2 what bubby said.

Title: Re: steam bending hickory
Post by: NeolithicMan on January 28, 2014, 09:06:06 pm

I get the hickory to near finished dimensions and then place it over a pot with a tinfoil lid conformed to the wood and top o the pot. steam it for a half hour and when bending, put a piece of sheet metal over the bending part on yhe outer side of the curve (if its a recurve) to hold the splinters down.

Just my way I can see others have some kool ideas I need to try

Title: Re: steam bending hickory
Post by: okie64 on January 28, 2014, 09:20:35 pm

Ive had pretty good luck bending mild curves in hickory with steam but Ive never had luck bending it with dry heat. It cracks every time.

Title: Re: steam bending hickory
Post by: bigcountry on January 30, 2014, 09:23:58 am

Thanks guys, i will give it a try.