heat question

[iowabow]

I decided to take my 70inch bow that had a large handle and cut it down and change the fades. I also wanted to practice heating the new stave in the caul I built.  I know that the reflex will be lost but I wanted to practice the process before I start on another bow I started in TN.  OK so my question is how long after heating the bow in the caul before I remove the clamps.

[BowJunkie]

If it were me, I would clamp it up before I go to bed.
Then unclamp it the next day, just to be on the safe side.
The goal is to make sure it is completely cooled off before you unclamp.

[Will H]

Overnight is a safe bet but I've taken bows off the caul as early as 2 hours after heating with good results. 

[iowabow]

I heard people talking about the classic and they said that bows were being made and then shot in three days so I figured the process was condensed some what.  I bet like most things waiting is best.   I like most people want to do thing as fast as possible.  Will that bow of yours that you showed me in TN was real nice.  How did you apply the finish and was that tru oil?  Did you get to making points yet? 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I take osage off my cauls within an hour or so usually. It doesnt move anymore than when I wait 12-15 hours. Im not sure what type of wood your talking about. Whitewood I let sit over night at most.

[iowabow]

The wood I have is osage.  This is a rebuild of my 70inch bow.  I did not build it well so I am experementing with a few changes.

[iowabow]

Here are a couple of pictures I just took.  I have not cut the tips back yet.

[iowabow]

This is what it looked like before I started. 

[iowabow]

Well if you have any thoughts they are welcome.  Here is where I am at for now.

[Will H]

Thanks John, it was truoil applied with a lint free cloth. I burnished the bow first so I didn't have to apply as many coats as usual. I haven't had a chance to do much knappin this week. I'm off this weekend so maybe I'll get lucky and make a few points. Also, that bow looks alot better with the shortened handle! Good job! If you want to get the colors to match up after working that bow I overheard Shannon say that acetone will do the trick. Haven't tried that myself but Ill bet it works. 

[lowell]

Looking good but I'd like it to be bending a little more at the fades....maybe those first 5 inches or so. 

[gstoneberg]

Brace looks good, curious to see it bending and find out how the tiller changed for you.

George