Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: IrishJay on October 06, 2019, 01:22:41 pm

Title: How long to steam.
Post by: IrishJay on October 06, 2019, 01:22:41 pm

I finally got around to building myself a stave steamer so I can steam a whole stave in one shot rather than using a heat gun on small sections wrapped in wet rags and tin foil.

My first victim is going to be a piece of hard maple that I'm having trouble getting the bark off of. So my question is, how long should I steam it to loosen the bark? How long when I'm ready to bend it?

Title: Re: How long to steam.
Post by: Del the cat on October 06, 2019, 02:06:51 pm

Twice as long as you think  ;)
They reckon a rule of thumb is an hour per inch of thickness.
Del

Title: Re: How long to steam.
Post by: IrishJay on October 06, 2019, 02:18:53 pm

Thanks Del. My plan is to steam it, get clamped down to my full length form, and then set it aside form and all to cure for a few months.