Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: tgr on February 18, 2011, 08:39:02 pm

Title: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: tgr on February 18, 2011, 08:39:02 pm

I have a 72" maple stave that I've roughed out.  Tips of both limbs bend sideways about 2" in the same direction.  I can't string the bow with out it turning.  I've tried to stream or heat with oil and clamp it yet it always bounces back.
My next thought was to pike it down to 60", 6 off each limb and trim the ends on one side to staighten it out.
ANy other suggestions before I do that?

Thanks ahead
Tom

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: HickoryBill on February 18, 2011, 09:23:08 pm

What kind of maple is it?And how long are you steaming it? Heating it?

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: tgr on February 18, 2011, 09:26:15 pm

I don't know what type of maple.  I got if off a pile of just cut logs that someone cleared.  I've been steaming for 45 min and heating for 15 min on and off so I didn't scorch it. 
tr

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: Elktracker on February 18, 2011, 09:29:38 pm

Are you trying to bend it in the grip or at the tips? been helping a friend with a bow (vine Maple) pretty short 48" we had the same problem, we were trying to bend in the grip with dry heat. Every time we would get it good we would come back the next day and it was back to normal. The next day he tried again while I was not there and he ended up cracking the bow all the way through. I think in our situation we may have had better luck bending closer to the bow tips to correct it but cant say for sure.

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: tgr on February 18, 2011, 09:34:57 pm

mostly the tips down about 18".  I figured even just the tips lined up I would be okay.

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: Elktracker on February 18, 2011, 09:40:17 pm

Well wouldnt hurt to try to bent at the handle and see if that holds. Also once you steam and clamp it a bit past where you want it leave it there over night and see if that holds  .02   good luck

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: tgr on February 18, 2011, 10:38:14 pm

It seems that from the handle out about 18"or so it's straight, then it bends.  Can I ruin or weaken the wood If I continue?  One end is already a darker color from the heat.  I intend to tiller further so I'm not really concerned about color.
TR

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: tattoo dave on February 19, 2011, 12:27:48 am

I have a maple board bow with the same problem. It twisted up the second I started cutting on it. I never tried steam or heat though...just made another one. It's three years old now, lots of set, crazy limb twist, but still shoots good...for now anyway. Good luck

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: Pat B on February 19, 2011, 01:27:40 am

How big(thick and wide) is the stave you are trying to bend?

Title: Re: Can't steam or heat out a bend
Post by: tgr on February 19, 2011, 10:26:16 am

Tips are about 1/2" tapered to 1"+ before the handle.  7/8" tapered to 1/2+ or - from the hanlde to the knock (thinkness)
TR