Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: dragonman on January 01, 2012, 03:16:39 pm

Title: steam bending ipe......
Post by: dragonman on January 01, 2012, 03:16:39 pm

has anyone ever had success steam bending ipe? I have a straight blank ready for backing and was wondering whether to try putting a short static recurve in with steam or boiling, but if others have had no joy, then I wont bother.....thanks

I know the standard line is that tropical hardwoods dont bend too well, but I dont want a massive bend.....

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: Pat B on January 01, 2012, 05:33:53 pm

Dragonman, from what I understand most of the tropical woods don't react to heat bending. I've never tried it so I can't say for sure.

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: PatM on January 01, 2012, 06:08:01 pm

Nope. Just doesn't like heat of any kind. The only Tropical I've heard of responding to steam is bulletwood.
 It's far easier to do a simple spliced in tip of steam bent wood that takes to that treatment. Elm etc.
 A shallower angle is easier to do by just cutting the shape from a flat ringed board of Ash.
  I have several tropical wood bows with spliced in tips that I will show pics of soon.

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: Justin Snyder on January 01, 2012, 07:06:49 pm

It can be done, but with limited results. It must be very thin. I made an Ipe recurve a few years back but it required kerf cuts and a lot of heat.

You can see more detail here: www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,7923.15.html
About half way down the second page there are pics of the tips and a little more on the process I used.

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: Pat B on January 01, 2012, 09:31:38 pm

I remember that sweet little bow, Justin. Incredable full draw.  8)

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: Justin Snyder on January 01, 2012, 10:03:01 pm

Quote from: Pat B on January 01, 2012, 09:31:38 pm

I remember that sweet little bow, Justin. Incredable full draw.  8)

Thanks Pat, one day Ill make another of this style, with a few slight changes.

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: dragonman on January 01, 2012, 10:19:47 pm

thanks Justin I actually remember that bow, very nice.... Thats answered my question as well, dont think I'll bother trying to steam bend  the ipe, it will have to be kerf joint or as much reflex as a straight limb will take,   thanks again.....

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: mullet on January 02, 2012, 06:35:19 pm

I've wanted to try boiling it in vegetable oil but haven't had time to try it, yet.

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: Justin Snyder on January 03, 2012, 12:07:31 am

Quote from: mullet on January 02, 2012, 06:35:19 pm

I've wanted to try boiling it in vegetable oil but haven't had time to try it, yet.

I want to build a pressure chamber with a valve to release the pressure so I can pull it out quickly for bending.

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: mullet on January 03, 2012, 01:12:50 am

Again,, sounds like we need more than one set of hands, it's gonna be real hot.

Title: Re: steam bending ipe......
Post by: Justin Snyder on January 03, 2012, 01:22:35 am

Quote from: mullet on January 03, 2012, 01:12:50 am

Again,, sounds like we need more than one set of hands, it's gonna be real hot.

Yep, but if it works it will be worth it.  ;)