Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bow101 on September 15, 2013, 04:53:53 pm

Title: Steaming
Post by: bow101 on September 15, 2013, 04:53:53 pm

I have floor tillered a Hawthorn stave that has about a 5 inch natural reflex in the center. How long should it be steamed for to safely bend. ? The center is just over 3/4 inch thick.

Title: Re: Steaming
Post by: Gordon on September 15, 2013, 05:04:44 pm

About 45 minutes.

Title: Re: Steaming
Post by: bow101 on September 15, 2013, 09:53:19 pm

Quote from: Gordon on September 15, 2013, 05:04:44 pm

About 45 minutes.

Thanks,   have to re-do, did not bend it enough to take out the reflex, removed about 4 inches.  Have to repeat and get another 4".  Although 8 inches in one shot could of done some serious damage.. :o

Title: Re: Steaming
Post by: bow101 on September 18, 2013, 12:01:10 am

Anyone else have experience steaming Hawthorn.?  Gave it a second go around but it split slightly in the centre, can't get another 3-4 inches out of 'er.    As far as the minor split goes I glued on a handle section.

Title: Re: Steaming
Post by: Gordon on September 18, 2013, 02:04:39 pm

Quote

Have to repeat and get another 4". 

It doesn't work that way with steam bending. When you steam again, it undoes the previous bend and you start over again.

4" of bend is pushing things - 8" of bend is probably impossible...