Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on October 15, 2021, 04:18:05 pm

Title: Drying a damp bow
Post by: stuckinthemud on October 15, 2021, 04:18:05 pm

OK, I have an unfinished bow stored in a damp garage.  Last time I braced it, it took an inch of deflex.  I don't think of this as set (compression damage), but is it?  I've brought it in it dry it out, should I reverse brace it? If so, how much?

Title: Re: Drying a damp bow
Post by: Pat B on October 15, 2021, 05:28:28 pm

First off, leaving bows in a damp area can cause mildew or other fungi to get into it. If you haven't harmed the belly cells you could clamp it to a caul to dry. Whether that will help you will have to determine yourself.

Title: Re: Drying a damp bow
Post by: stuckinthemud on October 15, 2021, 07:13:34 pm

Hi Pat, you're not wrong. The ones I like I keep in the house, the ones I'm building I usually bring indoors too, this one I left to rehydrate after a run of heat treatments and the weather turned.  Think I overdid the hydration, now its back in the house and strapped down

Title: Re: Drying a damp bow
Post by: Pat B on October 15, 2021, 07:23:48 pm

Be sure the back is well sealed of it may check.

Title: Re: Drying a damp bow
Post by: Don W on October 15, 2021, 08:34:25 pm

I created a moisture control closet, https://www.diy.timetestedtools.net/my-moisture-control-for-wood-self-bows/

Making good working bows has become a whole lot easier