Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: dbb on June 02, 2013, 08:34:59 am

Title: Advice on (european)ash elb needed
Post by: dbb on June 02, 2013, 08:34:59 am

Had a long narrow ash stave that was just right for a elb type bow.
I have it floortillered with a more rektangular and less deep profile than a classoc yewbow.
The thing is its a bit deflexed,would it be a good idea to heattreat it and induce some reflex now?
Or should i wait until im closer to "goal"?

Title: Re: Advice on (european)ash elb needed
Post by: Hrothgar on June 02, 2013, 09:03:02 am

I'm no expert on heat treating but my personal preference is to work on a straight stave, before I get to far into tillering.

Title: Re: Advice on (european)ash elb needed
Post by: SLIMBOB on June 02, 2013, 10:03:39 am

If I'm gonna heat bend one, I do it as early as I can.  Thin enough where it will bend and not break, but thick enough where I have a little meat left to remove.  Sounds like your at that point. 

Title: Re: Advice on (european)ash elb needed
Post by: simson on June 02, 2013, 05:00:56 pm

Yes, I would do it now.
My experience is, there is a huge difference in density (europ. ash). Lower density wood is no so good for heattreating, it becomes very brittle.

Title: Re: Advice on (european)ash elb needed
Post by: dbb on June 02, 2013, 06:15:33 pm

Thanks guys.
I was thinking that by heat it a bit in reflex i might end up with a bit less visible set.
But as i never worked with ash before i might ask around first.
The stave i have is pretty tightringed and dense so unless i mess it up too bad im ok  i guess  ;D

Title: Re: Advice on (european)ash elb needed
Post by: dwardo on June 03, 2013, 06:32:07 am

I have used quite a bit of ash over the past few years. Some good some shocking.
Its been said before I think in the TBB series somewhere that its all about early to late ratio. Which on ash the colours are back to front. Very easy to see with a mag glass which is the nasty early growth which is all air n veins.

I have at the moment some very slow grown as with very tight growth rings and its not too hot at all. tried a bow 1/34 wide slightly flipped tips and heat treated. Both limbs had loads of compression fractures right up each limb.
I will try again but its going to be at-least 2 inch wide and nearer to top end of 60 rather than the bottom.

The best stuff I have found is the nice big thick ringed stuff, the same stuff furniture makers go mad for. This tends to be fast grown without being stuck under a canopy.

Title: Re: Advice on (european)ash elb needed
Post by: dbb on June 03, 2013, 07:52:28 am

Ok,You learn something new here everyday. Thanks Dwardo.
I wont try a warbow with this stave then as its about 50/50 early/late.
I think i still will try to get a little reflex in it,if it fails it fails.."You aint makin if you aint breakin" ;D