Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: BrokenArrow on September 25, 2014, 11:46:36 am

Title: Wood steaming?
Post by: BrokenArrow on September 25, 2014, 11:46:36 am

I was going to steam a stave of hickory backed jatoba.
Should I shallac it first to keep the moisture out?
What are the benefits of this over having the steam penetrate the wood?

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2014, 11:51:42 am

What glue was used to back the bow? Steam and heat can degrade some glues.
Why are you steaming the bow?

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: BrokenArrow on September 25, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

Smooth on EA 40 mixed 2:1.
I' going to make it shorter (60 inches in length) and I note jatoba is good for steam bending

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 25, 2014, 01:57:14 pm

Sounds risky to me.

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: DavidV on September 25, 2014, 03:23:45 pm

That glue is going to let go before you can start bending it.

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: Pat B on September 25, 2014, 05:23:28 pm

If nothing else the glue line will probably prevent the wood form bending and holding the bend.

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: Pappy on September 26, 2014, 07:52:41 am

Wouldn't do it if it was mine  :)
 Pappy

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: DarkSoul on September 26, 2014, 08:21:21 am

Quote from: BrokenArrow on September 25, 2014, 01:29:00 pm

I note jatoba is good for steam bending

Where did you read that? I'm pretty sure the opposite is true.
Also, 60" is rather short for a wooden bow. Unless the draw length is kept below 27" or so.
I wouldn't apply heat or steam to a laminated bow. Instead, you could kerf bend the tips, to induce some recurves.

Title: Re: Wood steaming?
Post by: BrokenArrow on September 26, 2014, 11:55:22 am

The deed has been done and all is well so far. The Smooth On EA 40 held and it is cooling. Steamed for 2 hours.
I mixed the EA 40 2:1 and it should hold to 217 degrees F and the steam in 211 degrees F. Not much of a margin I admit.
Will post results in a week.