Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Lee Lobbestael on October 15, 2014, 09:35:26 pm

Title: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on October 15, 2014, 09:35:26 pm

I have a maple bow I am almost done tillering but it has been rainy and damp the last few days and I don't know if I should go ahead and finish tillering or wait till this weekend when I can dry it by the woodstove? What do you guys think?

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: Pat B on October 15, 2014, 11:19:25 pm

Its not good to finish a bow during wet weather not only because the wood holds moisture but it adversely can affect the finish. I'd give it a few days.

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: wizardgoat on October 16, 2014, 01:51:10 am

In Vancouver if i had to wait for a dry day to finish a bow I'd never finish one!
when i start bending a bow it comes inside where its warm and dry after everytime i work it.
i also tung oil inside my kitchen when its raining and wet outside.

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: Badger on October 16, 2014, 02:26:36 am

  I live in a fairly humid climate most of the time on the coast in So Cal, we average about 65%.  I like the way maple responds to the climate here. I am guessing it settles in around 10%.

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: mikekeswick on October 16, 2014, 02:35:50 am

I've found maple to be good in my climate too. All winter is above 80% humidity.....

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on October 16, 2014, 06:09:01 am

Ok thanks guys. I really need to get a moisture meter

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: Will H on October 16, 2014, 08:50:43 am

Quote from: Lee Lobbestael on October 16, 2014, 06:09:01 am

Ok thanks guys. I really need to get a moisture meter

Moisture meters are great for building lam bows with thin layers that can accurately be read. But with staves, bow blanks, and bows they aren't much good. I reccomend you learn more about eqlibrium moisture content and use this chart to give you a better idea of where your wood is at with MC.
(http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/a439/willharrison347/91D7284B-B71E-4CEB-9958-2FADCB837A2F_zpsy6ngxjmf.jpg) (http://s1035.photobucket.com/user/willharrison347/media/91D7284B-B71E-4CEB-9958-2FADCB837A2F_zpsy6ngxjmf.jpg.html)

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 16, 2014, 09:14:28 am

My moisture meter takes surface readings. I just keep using it as I work the bow. When I get a reading >10%, I stop and let it dry by a heat source if possible.
I like 8-10% for all woods except hickory which works best at 6-8%.

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: burchett.donald on October 16, 2014, 09:20:06 am

  I like that chart Will  8)
                                       Don

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: Will H on October 16, 2014, 01:29:14 pm

George, I didn't mean to say they didn't have their place in making bows. I just wanted to make sure he knew there was an alternative to spending $100 plus on an instrument to measure moisture when a ten dollar thermometer from the store that shows RH will achieve the same thing.

Title: Re: How fast does maple gain moisture?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 16, 2014, 07:11:46 pm

Will, no problem. Jawge