steam recurving question

[BOWMAN53]

HOW DO YOU DO IT! Lol I wanna make my first recurve but I don't know how to do it. I can make the jig I just don't know how to go about it.

[Tshank]

Start with a hot plate, a stock pot, a lot of aluminum foil to act like a lid wrapped around the stave and a lot of patience.  Remember to use gloves because it will be a bit hot for bare skin. Bend starting at the handle side.

[PEARL DRUMS]

3" radius statics will work for any bow dang near. Trace a quart paint can on a 2 x 6 and make a form.

[BOWMAN53]

Thats a good idea with the can, im gonna make a form this week.

[PEARL DRUMS]

This what mine look like. Keep it longer so you can be sure your bow is straight as you bend the recurve in.

[BOWMAN53]

Thanks pearl, ill copy yours.

[hurlbri1]

This is probably a dumb question, but is a tip steamed, then formed like yours Pearl, a working recurve or a static recurve?

[Haithabu]

That depends on how u proceed, but working  recurved limbs with a selfbow are kinda tough.

[PEARL DRUMS]

This is probably a dumb question, but is a tip steamed, then formed like yours Pearl, a working recurve or a static recurve?

If they dont move they are static.  Working recurves are basically "flipped" tips as we call them. Basically the degree of bend is lesser and the limb will be thinned enough to work as the bow is drawn, yet keeping a nice string angle.

[hurlbri1]

Ok, I think I got it--thanks!  I'll be copying that curve jig as well...

[crooketarrow]

  DRY HEAT ON SEASONED WOOD
  STEAM ON GREEN

[Pappy]

That's kind of true,if you are using Osage and some other oily woods but if you plan of recurving white wood steam or boil is better,[for me]white wood don't bend that well, [Hard bend] with dry heat,at least in my experience. If you plan on bending static or even flip the tips pretty hard on most white wood with dry heat you should prepair yourself for a broke bow.Works sometimes and sometimes it don't. Steam takes a little longer but more consistent results.
   Pappy