Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Thunderlizard on August 25, 2018, 03:50:25 pm

Title: Black walnut stave laid out - moisture content question
Post by: Thunderlizard on August 25, 2018, 03:50:25 pm

I got around to laying out a bow on the back of a black Walnut stave that I’ve had sitting around for a while. I’ve taken off wood to the point of the topmost photo, and the stave’s been sitting for a couple of weeks.

According to my moisture meter, the content is at about 14-15%
I’d like to get it down to about 11-12%, since I’m worried it being sluggish or taking set once I get it bending.

Is 14% too high, or am I worrying too much?

I live on the ocean in Washington’s Olympic Pen, so it’s only going to get wetter out.. any ideas?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Black walnut stave laid out - moisture content question
Post by: Thunderlizard on August 25, 2018, 03:55:39 pm

Also, if anyone has any opinions on my layout, please let me know - I’m new at this.

Title: Re: Black walnut stave laid out - moisture content question
Post by: aaron on August 25, 2018, 05:00:44 pm

I live on the WA coast and moisture content is always a problem. You could put it in a warm place for a week, but don't overdo it. once you get it to floor tiller stage, you could heat treat it- this will bring the moisture down temporarily.
In the end, you still live in a rainforest and will have to accept slightly more set than the desert dwellers. Making your bows a bit wider or longer than normal will help too. Keep the belly very flat too.

Title: Re: Black walnut stave laid out - moisture content question
Post by: DC on August 25, 2018, 06:04:11 pm

Buy a cheap hygrometer and move it around the house until you find a spot that's around 50% RH. Park the stave there until it stops losing weight using a gram scale. The weight will vary a bit as the RH goes up and down so keep that in mind. You can rough it out first but don't get aggressive bending it.