Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Blaflair2 on May 27, 2015, 01:26:49 pm

Title: Reflexing yew?
Post by: Blaflair2 on May 27, 2015, 01:26:49 pm
So I steamed and straightened the piece of yew I'm trying to get sinewed. I wanna give it a angular bow profile. So I wanna reflex the limbs to get them out I front of the handle, hoping the sinew will peel em back more. I was thinking of using steam. The bow is 48" long and I figured on just steaming a whole limb at a time and putting into my form. What say ya?
Title: Re: Reflexing yew?
Post by: Pat B on May 27, 2015, 02:19:04 pm
Bruce, I believe you can use dry heat on yew also.
Title: Re: Reflexing yew?
Post by: Blaflair2 on May 27, 2015, 02:36:45 pm
My heat gun took a dump. So steam is gonna have to do it. It's getting sinewed so it will take in some moisture from that n e who. I straightened it and man it bent like butter after steaming. I plan on re using a sinew backing from another bow. So I wanna get this bow sinewed and drying while I finish my trade bow and some other projects. I gotta wait for it to dry anyway. So I might as well get that process going
Title: Re: Reflexing yew?
Post by: Aaron H on May 27, 2015, 03:55:55 pm
I have had issues with yew keeping any reflex that I give it when I use steam.  I have found that if you heat treat the belly a few day after steaming, that 'sets' in the reflex.
Title: Re: Reflexing yew?
Post by: Weylin on May 28, 2015, 01:15:08 am
I have had issues with yew keeping any reflex that I give it when I use steam.  I have found that if you heat treat the belly a few day after steaming, that 'sets' in the reflex.

What he said. Though I've done it shortly after for the same effect without problem.
Title: Re: Reflexing yew?
Post by: Blaflair2 on May 29, 2015, 11:30:35 am
So I got it reflexed, gotta straighten one limb a little more and then deflex the handle. How much deflex should I go for? Suggestions? What yall think so far?
Title: Re: Reflexing yew?
Post by: wizardgoat on May 29, 2015, 12:25:30 pm
Is the stave to floor tiller thickness? It will bend much better and hold much better if it is. As stated, I've had best luck with steam, then dry heat to cook it in. Still, don't expect a lot to stay. If your going to deflex that handle Id go for more limb reflex. 
Man you sure got slot of bows on the go!
Title: Re: Reflexing yew?
Post by: Blaflair2 on May 29, 2015, 01:51:22 pm
Well I'm sinewing this, so I wanna use the sinew I got before my dog finds it again. And I gotta wait for it to dry. So I can finish some others while waiting