Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: d frana on January 30, 2010, 03:09:56 am

Title: heat or steam bending for vine maple
Post by: d frana on January 30, 2010, 03:09:56 am

I got a vine maple stave at mojam a couple of years ago and I'm thinking it's about time I made a bow out of it.  The problem is the stave has about 3-4 inches of deflex that I want to at least straighten out.  I've never used steam before but I've had good luck with osage and a heat gun.  I'd rather use heat but I'm not sure if I'd get the result I want with what for me is a new wood.

Title: Re: heat or steam bending for vine maple
Post by: El Destructo on January 30, 2010, 03:28:51 am

I would Boil Vine Maple...it don't do so good with Dry Heat...either Boil...or steam it out by soaking it in water...the Steaming the Stave...then Clamp it down with a little Reflex to make sure that it Dries correctly...if you clap it on something and only pull it down Flat...it will not be enough once it is let off the Form....JMO

Title: Re: heat or steam bending for vine maple
Post by: Gordon on January 30, 2010, 03:45:08 am

You can use dry heat to bend vine maple, but you have to go slow. I've had better luck with steam.