Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jmilbrandt on March 15, 2009, 05:29:51 pm

Title: 30% to low?
Post by: Jmilbrandt on March 15, 2009, 05:29:51 pm

The rh of my house hovers around 30% and i'm starting to worry about my bows. I just moved here from Montana so I have never worried about it before but now i'm wondering if my bows are just slowly dropping in mc and are going to blow soon. :( Is 30% to low and what can I do to keep my bows safe?

Title: Re: 30% to low?
Post by: Justin Snyder on March 15, 2009, 07:31:03 pm

I believe yew is the only wood you really need to worry about.  I have been checking staves I keep in my garage all year.  Even in summer when the temps are way high and the RH is way low nothing got much below optimum MC. Like I said, yew was the exception, it got down to 6%.  Make sure you keep them inside or in the shade when you aren't using them.  If they get left in the summer sun, they will bake dry and they will crack even without stringing.

Title: Re: 30% to low?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on March 15, 2009, 08:01:07 pm

Its 33% here now in NH and probably lower this winter. I don't worry about it. It is what it is. There's nothing to do about it. Even after finishing the wood will acclimate to the humidity eventually. Justin, that may be why I keep hearing yew doesn't do well in the cold. Jawge

Title: Re: 30% to low?
Post by: Jmilbrandt on March 15, 2009, 11:46:04 pm

The majority of my bows are yew.  :( Is there anything I can do to keep them from breaking?

Title: Re: 30% to low?
Post by: Pat B on March 16, 2009, 12:13:20 am

Put them in a room with a humidifier.

Title: Re: 30% to low?
Post by: Jmilbrandt on March 16, 2009, 02:08:05 am

Ok thanks Pat I'll try that.

Title: Re: 30% to low?
Post by: Ryano on March 16, 2009, 10:24:28 am

I would add ERC to that list as well. It explodes when it gets to dry and seems to dry out fast!