Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: ajbruggink on June 25, 2017, 04:08:16 pm

Title: Advice on crooked bow limb
Post by: ajbruggink on June 25, 2017, 04:08:16 pm

Heh guys,

I have this roughed out red elm stave that I have been having a trouble getting one crooked end straight. I have tried boiling it twice and steaming it once to try to get the crooked end straight and it still will not straighten anymore than this. Will this amount of crookedness be okay to make a bow out of as it is or do I have to try straightening it some more? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Aaron

Title: Re: Advice on crooked bow limb
Post by: Pat B on June 25, 2017, 04:15:33 pm

See how it looks at low brace(when ready). Under tension is the only way to tell how the string tracks.

Title: Re: Advice on crooked bow limb
Post by: stuckinthemud on June 25, 2017, 04:19:06 pm

As long as the string lines up with the handle you're good to go, although if the string is nearer the left or right side of the handle it will decide which limb is the top one.

Title: Re: Advice on crooked bow limb
Post by: Swamp Thang on June 26, 2017, 07:54:06 am

I recently gad this happen on a bow couldn't get the limbs to budge so I steamed the handle like stuck said as long as the string lines up you'll be alright

Title: Re: Advice on crooked bow limb
Post by: leonwood on June 26, 2017, 08:20:04 am

That will easily straighten out with a good heat treating. Tiller to brace or a little more to see the amount you need to shift. Clamp belly up to a 2x4 (you can add some reflex as well) and bend a little further then needed and heat for 30 minutes with a heat gun.

Title: Re: Advice on crooked bow limb
Post by: leonwood on June 26, 2017, 08:25:23 am

update: check Simon's wide limb osage thread, he does exactly as I do for straightening: http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,60854.15.html