Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Electricfrontporch on February 08, 2008, 09:22:53 pm

Title: Dry Heat?
Post by: Electricfrontporch on February 08, 2008, 09:22:53 pm
I am working on a piece of hornbeam that needs a lil' straightening. If I clamp it to the profile I want, then oil it can I use a propane torch if I am careful not to scorch it.  Or will that generate too much heat?  This is my first time using the dry heat method, just thought I'd check. Thanks   NOAH
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: Justin Snyder on February 08, 2008, 09:34:56 pm
Go get a heat gun from your local hardware store paint department.  It will run you about $8 and save you a lot of grief.  No point in burning down the house over it. Justin
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: Ryan_Gill_HuntPrimitive on February 08, 2008, 09:41:21 pm
i have used a propane torch, but it concentrates to a smallpoint, as you know. but it takes so long to move it up and down the limb, it never seems to heat evenly. it can work, but i just use an open fire outside or in the fireplace if it fits.  a heat gun is probably best, but i dont like using any kind of electric on my bow projects, i dont even likie using the torch but i did it a time or 2 b\c i was curious..lol-  Ryan
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: Dano on February 08, 2008, 09:51:54 pm
Like Justin suggested, Wagner makes a paint stipper heat gun that is the way to go. The oil is still a good idea on white woods.
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: Electricfrontporch on February 08, 2008, 10:02:44 pm
I have some various torch tips. Was planning on using a larger diffuser tip.
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: Marc St Louis on February 08, 2008, 10:34:54 pm
Just protect it with something so there's no direct flame on the wood
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: Easternarcher on February 08, 2008, 10:58:41 pm
Go get a heat gun from your local hardware store paint department.  It will run you about $8 and save you a lot of grief.  No point in burning down the house over it. Justin

 :o8.00 bucks! :o  I can't find even a crappy one up here for less than 25.00!
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: adb on February 08, 2008, 11:21:18 pm
A heat gun will provide indirect heat. A propane torch will burn the wood with a direct flame. I would definately not use a flame source to bend wood.
Title: Re: Dry Heat?
Post by: ricktrojanowski on February 08, 2008, 11:23:10 pm
The torch idea sound a bit scary.  I almost scorched a limb with a heat gun on my first dry bending trial.  I can't imagine what I would have done w/ a torch. ;D