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The kiss of death, I guess
Hamish:
The steam before using dry heat is real. Once wood has been brought down to really low MC by artificial means its propensity to be bent by steam is greatly reduced. Thats why chairmakers, and other craftsmen that need tight radius, steam bent curves always use air dried wood, as kiln dried wood is nowhere near as elastic. Every book on steam bending or wood usage I have read says the same message.
Whether this is due to having lower MC, or if its due to permanent structural change, I don't know.
If its just due to MC, then rehydrating the wood by soaking for a couple of days might be an option.
Hamish:
Nice result Musky :OK
Muskyman:
Thanks guys, I have no idea what the draw weight will be but I’ve got it bent on both limbs and didn’t see anything that jumps out at me. I’m going to have to straighten the tips some to get them lined up good but it came through the day better than it started..
It has approximately 4&1/2 inches of reflex now and measuring from tip to tip in a straight line is 66 inches. Left it out in my shop for the night to let it rehydrate. Might try and put tip overlays on tomorrow. Should I let it rest for another day to rehydrate or will I be ok to bend it tomorrow?
Here’s a pic or 2 of it now..
Hamish:
I'm very conservative, and wouldn't rush going to string it, or shoot it. Wait a week and come back to it, give it time to properly rehydrate it. Hey it will probably be alright, but why risk it being too low in MC, and possibly snapping, osage aint the same as hickory.
willie:
--- Quote from: Hamish on March 16, 2024, 07:31:20 pm ---
Whether this is due to having lower MC, or if its due to permanent structural change, I don't know.
--- End quote ---
if you think of the cellulose cells as reinforcement and the lignins as the supporting matrix,
I think once the lignins are baked, they dont easily want to soften again
muskyman, at least wet the back with wet rags overnight
do you have a gram scale you can weigh the bow before and after?
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