Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: snedeker on August 13, 2008, 04:45:38 pm

Title: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: snedeker on August 13, 2008, 04:45:38 pm
I have a stave that has 7" reflex.  I was figuring I'd do a bend through handle R/D.  Steam or dry heat? ???

Dave
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: uwe on August 13, 2008, 04:53:15 pm
Wet or dry?
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: Pat B on August 13, 2008, 05:35:10 pm
I've never worked with dogwood although I have a few staves. If the wood is dry and you use steam seal the stave with shellac so not to add more moisture to the already dry stave.   Pat
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: snedeker on August 13, 2008, 06:03:07 pm
the stave has been drying for 2.5 years
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: sailordad on August 13, 2008, 06:46:01 pm
you might not want to listen to me cause i am still fairly new to this

however ive been told,dry heat for bending dry wood,wet heat for wet wood. this advise has worked thus far for me.

good luck

                                                                 tim
                                                                               
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: Kegan on August 13, 2008, 06:55:48 pm
I use wet heat for beinging the bow side to side, and dry heat, whilst tempering the belly, for beinding the bow back and forth (from back to belly). Works for me at least.
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: Ryano on August 13, 2008, 07:09:44 pm
Dave it depends on how thick the handle section your wanting to bend is....Steam is much better for thicker pieces of wood. I wouldnt try to use dry heat on anything over 3/4" thick.
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: snedeker on August 13, 2008, 08:54:52 pm
THe reflex is really exagerated in the handle area, so i figure to go a touch under 3/4 there.  Probably use a heat gun

Dave
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: Justin Snyder on August 13, 2008, 09:14:21 pm
Lube it up with crisco and put the heat gun on it. 
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: snedeker on August 13, 2008, 09:38:31 pm
Another idea, since its particularly reflexed in the mid section, might be to do an inset handle style and bend deflex into the mid limbs
Title: Re: Heat bending Dogwood?
Post by: Hickoryswitch on August 13, 2008, 10:47:03 pm
I don't know bout anyone else but dogwood doesn't bend worth a crap for me with heat. I had to steam mine to get it to bend. I steamed mine multiple times with Crisco on it and it seemed to pick up very little moisture.