when to add relfex and sinew backing?

[troutbum76]

do you add reflex into a piece of wood before you even rough out the shape or just before start the tillering process? is it exceptable to use steam on hickory due to its tendency to hold moisture? if not how much are heat guns and where do you get one? also do you add sinew backing before or after the tillering process? lots of questions thanx!

[knightd]

I would rough it out then reflex it.. I would use dry heat to put in the reflex.. I like to long string my stave before puting the sinew on but Im just telling what I would do!!

[DirtyDan]

Lowe's or Home Depot in the paint department.  1000 degrees.  About $12.  Wagner

[sailordad]

1000 degree?

or do ya mean 1000watts?

[Hillbilly]

What KnightD said. You want to have your stave floor-tillered with the limbs bending pretty evenly so that the reflex will be even. I  also use dry heat for reflexing, just clamp it down to a caul, reflex and heat-treat the belly at the same time. I like to use steam for bending major recurves or correcting really bad crooks. If you have your stave bending pretty good before you put on the sinew, the sinew will pull a good bit of reflex into it as it dries.