Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Aksel on March 06, 2025, 05:09:02 am
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Hi, I have a narrow elm stave which unfortunately dried into a reflex of about 7-8" and I want to take it out and make the stave as straight as possible - how would you do it?
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I would be heat treating Elm anyway. I’d start by working down to a very rough blank, leaving full width. Maybe take the limbs down to about 3/4” thick. Then clamp to a form and go at it with a heat gun.
I would want to leave an inch or two reflex in it. I would probably not clamp it flat to the form straight away, rather heat and tighten the clamps as I went along.
If you look around for information on how to ADD reflex, you’ll get all the info you need and be able to apply that to take the reflex away
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Any special reason you wouldn´t use steam?
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Any special reason you wouldn´t use steam?
steam seems reasonable as my guess is that the back shrank more because it was wetter.
curious if the back was sealed before drying? if not, forcing the moisture out thru the sides might make it dry more evenly next time.
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Any heat source will work but for me dry heat(Heat gun) is more convenient.
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Any special reason you wouldn´t use steam?
steam seems reasonable as my guess is that the back shrank more because it was wetter.
curious if the back was sealed before drying? if not, forcing the moisture out thru the sides might make it dry more evenly next time.
No sealing, just summer cut elm (very wet) debark and split. Smaller diameter Elm often take a huge reflex upon drying. Often it´s nice but sometimes a hastle if it reflexes too much or twists..
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Any special reason you wouldn´t use steam?
steam seems reasonable as my guess is that the back shrank more because it was wetter.
curious if the back was sealed before drying? if not, forcing the moisture out thru the sides might make it dry more evenly next time.
No sealing, just summer cut elm (very wet) debark and split. Smaller diameter Elm often take a huge reflex upon drying. Often it´s nice but sometimes a hastle if it reflexes too much or twists..
I’ve got a 2 1/2” piece split in two that’s 77” and has already got 4” of backseat and isn’t even dry yet.
I would only use stream for extreme curves over short sections like recurves and deflex. It always seems to need setting with dry heat or it pulls out anyway.
I’m assuming the whole stave needs straightening so you would need to build or use a steam box or bag large enough to accommodate the whole stave.
Dry heat is just easier I find
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James, it makes sense. The stave is equally reflexed. I don´t want to add any strength to the stave so I guess I take it easy with the heatgun. Thanks.