Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: cutty on March 10, 2019, 02:54:05 pm

Title: Osage steaming
Post by: cutty on March 10, 2019, 02:54:05 pm

If I have an Osage stave from 10/15 3” highx 2” wide that’s been in my shop can I take down to bow form and steam for caul? Or is it to dry at this point?

Title: Re: Osage steaming
Post by: straightarrow on March 10, 2019, 03:36:26 pm

Should be plenty dry by now. I'd use Olive oil and dry heat and invest in a moisture meter, takes the guess work out

Title: Re: Osage steaming
Post by: Pat B on March 10, 2019, 03:55:22 pm

What kind of bending are you planning on? For just reflexing and minor tweaking dry heat will do well. I would seal the back with shellac to prevent any possible checking. Even though it is dry the residual moisture from your local atmosphere can cause checks when heat is applied.
If you plan on drastic bending like with recurves steam would be my choice and I would also seal the back. Again, shellac is what I use.

Title: Re: Osage steaming
Post by: bjrogg on March 10, 2019, 05:04:35 pm

Yes it's fine if it's dry. Probably better. Like pat said seal back with shellac first. I usually put recurves in with steam and straightening with heat gun. Osage bends very nicely with heat.
Bjrogg

Title: Re: Osage steaming
Post by: Sidewinder on March 11, 2019, 06:18:41 pm

Aboslutley what Pat said. Nothing to add there.