Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jakesnyder on November 30, 2019, 03:31:59 pm

Title: Over steaming???
Post by: Jakesnyder on November 30, 2019, 03:31:59 pm
Is it possible to over steam a piece of wood? Could it do irriversable damage to it?
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: DC on November 30, 2019, 03:39:51 pm
I've read that over steaming can cause the inside of the bend to buckle but I've never had a problem with oversteaming. That said I never steam longer than an hour because that's when my steamer runs out of water. I have steamed 3/8" pieces for 40 min which would be about twice the 45 min for 3/4" recommendation. No problems. Most stuff you read is for tight bends for furniture. Most of the bending we do, other than sharp recurves, are fairly mild bends and I don't believe they are a problem.
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: Del the cat on November 30, 2019, 03:57:42 pm
I don't think you are likely to over steam timber in any reasonable practical situation... But presumably after 100 years, it will be degrading :o ::) ;D
Del
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: PatM on November 30, 2019, 04:52:42 pm
 It is possible.  I've done this.  The piece of wood became like a wet noodle even when dry again.
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: bownarra on December 01, 2019, 01:47:42 am
Yes you can and yes.
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: Del the cat on December 01, 2019, 02:56:39 am
It is possible.  I've done this.  The piece of wood became like a wet noodle even when dry again.
Interesting info, thanks... never stop learning in this game :)
Del
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: Marc St Louis on December 01, 2019, 06:13:23 am
I've had Elm come apart at a porous ring from over-steaming when bending recurves
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: Jakesnyder on December 01, 2019, 06:42:21 am
What about side ways bending something around 1.5" wide? Is it possible?
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: DC on December 01, 2019, 10:02:53 am
For you guys that oversteamed it, how long did you steam it? Is this a went for lunch and forgot it kinda thing?
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: bradsmith2010 on December 01, 2019, 10:39:04 am
Probaly depend a lot on kind of wood?
Title: Re: Over steaming???
Post by: Pat B on December 01, 2019, 11:34:32 am
Under normal circumstances I doubt you could over steam. If you steam it only long enough to make the wood pliable you should be OK.