Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DC on May 10, 2017, 08:11:12 pm

Title: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: DC on May 10, 2017, 08:11:12 pm
I managed to get a good string alignment on my recurve but now I want to heat treat it. I've lost string alignment before due to heat treating. Is there any tricks to keeping it straight?
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: upstatenybowyer on May 10, 2017, 08:25:00 pm
Only thing I can think of is clamping it down during heat treating and waiting a day or so to unclamp.
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: DC on May 10, 2017, 08:46:52 pm
I've tried that and I think either my clamping or just the reheating of previously tweaked puts different stresses on it and when you undo it, it moves. I guess I'm going to have to figure a way to hold it without clamping it too hard. This one has siyahs so if gives me a uniform shape to clamp so maybe it won't be too tough. This has been my stumbling block with recurves. I spend more time with a heat gun in my hand then I think I oughta.
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: BowEd on May 10, 2017, 10:48:09 pm
The thing about recurves is the more you put the tips behind the back the fussier it is to have them dead nuts aligned.With reflex in limbs or degree of static your working with.A deflexed limb with recurves is a bit easier for alignment.Like Jeff said clamping it in  place is the best way.Always more work and time with making a recurve.No getting around that.You just keep tweaking till you get it right is all.Look forward to seeing what you get done.
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: Pat B on May 10, 2017, 10:58:09 pm
I've found a lot of tweaking with recurves and especially with any change. After the heat treating just reheat and make the adjustment. I'd suggest adjusting each limb independently and readjustment the bow for a final profile. 
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: Del the cat on May 11, 2017, 02:21:53 am
I've found a lot of tweaking with recurves and especially with any change. After the heat treating just reheat and make the adjustment. I'd suggest adjusting each limb independently and readjustment the bow for a final profile.
+1 No quick answer... just repeat until it's right or your patience gives out  >:D
Del
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: Marc St Louis on May 11, 2017, 06:36:28 am
I managed to get a good string alignment on my recurve but now I want to heat treat it. I've lost string alignment before due to heat treating. Is there any tricks to keeping it straight?

The only trick I can suggest is to do the heat-treating before you do all that tip alignment  ;D
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: Selfbowman on May 11, 2017, 10:07:16 am
Marc that makes since to me. I'll try that on the next one. Arvin
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: Eric Garza on May 11, 2017, 10:16:13 am
The only trick I can suggest is to do the heat-treating before you do all that tip alignment  ;D

Yup. I leave the limbs on my bows at least 1/4 wider than my end goal until after heat treatment. Much of my final tillering happens from the sides of the limbs, and I use it to reach final width from the fades all the way out to the tips.
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on May 11, 2017, 10:29:11 am
I do it all in one heat on one caul. Seems to work out nearly every time.
Title: Re: Heat treating/string alignment
Post by: PatM on May 11, 2017, 02:21:02 pm
Flex your recurved blank and and make note of which way it is showing it wants to twist. Heat treat it  in a slightly overcorrected shape and you'll be very close.