Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: 0209 on December 23, 2012, 12:37:09 am

Title: Bamboo Belly Tempering
Post by: 0209 on December 23, 2012, 12:37:09 am
I'm working on a bow with a bamboo belly and am curious as to how I would go about tempering it.  I don't have a hot box, nor the time to build one.  Would a heat gun work fine for tempering the bamboo or is there another method of doing it thats simple and effective sans the hotbox.
Thanks and happy holidays.
-Ian
Title: Re: Bamboo Belly Tempering
Post by: Gordon on December 23, 2012, 03:19:39 am
I don't see how you could temper bamboo in a heat box. A heat gun would be a good way to go.
Title: Re: Bamboo Belly Tempering
Post by: 0209 on December 23, 2012, 03:27:46 am
How do I know when its good to go?  Should it turn to a golden brown color?
Title: Re: Bamboo Belly Tempering
Post by: dragonman on December 23, 2012, 05:16:28 pm
you can use a heat gun in the same way as instructed in the bowyers bible for belly tempering, or you can do it over a fire that has burnt down to coals, or you can use charcoal, its obviously a question of getting the right distance from the heat source...not overly difficult buts takes some experience, so best to practice first on a scrap piece.