steam bending ipe......

[dragonman]

has anyone ever had success steam bending ipe? I have a straight blank ready for backing and was wondering whether to try putting a short static recurve in with steam or boiling, but if others have had no joy, then I wont bother.....thanks

I know the standard line is that tropical hardwoods dont bend too well, but I dont want a massive bend.....

[Pat B]

Dragonman, from what I understand most of the tropical woods don't react to heat bending. I've never tried it so I can't say for sure.

[PatM]

Nope. Just doesn't like heat of any kind. The only Tropical I've heard of responding to steam is bulletwood.
 It's far easier to do a simple spliced in tip of steam bent wood that takes to that treatment. Elm etc.
 A shallower angle is easier to do by just cutting the shape from a flat ringed board of Ash.
  I have several tropical wood bows with spliced in tips that I will show pics of soon.

[Justin Snyder]

It can be done, but with limited results. It must be very thin. I made an Ipe recurve a few years back but it required kerf cuts and a lot of heat.

You can see more detail here: www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,7923.15.html
About half way down the second page there are pics of the tips and a little more on the process I used.

[Pat B]

I remember that sweet little bow, Justin. Incredable full draw. 

[Justin Snyder]

I remember that sweet little bow, Justin. Incredable full draw. 

Thanks Pat, one day Ill make another of this style, with a few slight changes.

[dragonman]

thanks Justin I actually remember that bow, very nice.... Thats answered my question as well, dont think I'll bother trying to steam bend  the ipe, it will have to be kerf joint or as much reflex as a straight limb will take,   thanks again.....

[mullet]

I've wanted to try boiling it in vegetable oil but haven't had time to try it, yet.

[Justin Snyder]

I've wanted to try boiling it in vegetable oil but haven't had time to try it, yet.

I want to build a pressure chamber with a valve to release the pressure so I can pull it out quickly for bending.

[mullet]

Again,, sounds like we need more than one set of hands, it's gonna be real hot.

[Justin Snyder]

Again,, sounds like we need more than one set of hands, it's gonna be real hot.

Yep, but if it works it will be worth it.