Propane torch for straightening shafts

[Thesquirrelslinger]

Well... I don't have a heat gun. I need to straighten some shafts... can a brazing torch do the job?

[aaron]

it will work, be careful- easy to knock over. also easy to over heat.
other things to try:
stovetop
candle
charcoal briquettes
I usually use several pieces of charcoal in a small cast iron pan

[Youngboyer2(billyf)]

I use a candle(I don't have a heat gun either), too much heat will burn and weaken the shaft

[Olanigw (Pekane)]

charcoal in a flower pot would serve you better.  I used my stovetop but it was a pain.

[Pat B]

I do all shaft straightening over the kitchen stove(gas), cane and hardwood shoots.

[JackCrafty]

Yes, the torch will work but you must keep a good distance from the wood.  Small fires will cost you less in the long run but the torch saves a lot of time.

[Thesquirrelslinger]

Yes, the torch will work but you must keep a good distance from the wood.  Small fires will cost you less in the long run but the torch saves a lot of time.

Well, I just thought that it had to be a HOT source of heat, and had to be concentrated to straighten stuff. Now that I know charcoal works, thats what Ill use.
Thanks, squirrel

[Slackbunny]

I've had really good results using just my stove top. My second choice would be a candle.

[bhenders]

Yes, the torch will work but you must keep a good distance from the wood.  Small fires will cost you less in the long run but the torch saves a lot of time.

Well, I just thought that it had to be a HOT source of heat, and had to be concentrated to straighten stuff. Now that I know charcoal works, thats what Ill use.
Thanks, squirrel

If the bamboo gets too hot you will damage it.  If it starts to turn very dark, it's toast - literally...  lol.
If it's just about too hot to touch, it's the right temperature - wear gloves anyway to save your finger tips.  Bamboo gets very 'plastic' at the right temperature. 

Use a straightening tool, it's what they were invented for.  I'll have to post the one I made out of scrap.  It's got a slot cut in it and I used a dremel tool to dish out the tool on the sides where the shaft fits so you don't put 'crimps' in the shaft.  The latest ones I've made can be used with either hand (I put the 'dish' on both sides of the tool.  (I've just got to find my camera now... )

[Thesquirrelslinger]

Well... I just got a nice little magnesium-cerium firestarter.... so i need the practice. you know what makes a HOT little fire? Elm wood shavings... from a bow

[Dan K]

I like to straighten shafts while I'm grillin' burgers. Works great!

[crooketarrow]

  Thats a lot of heat quick a candle would work better you can control the heat to a small areas better. Get sero with a wick. Use to keep foods hot.  A lot of stafts in a can.

[RBLusthaus]

I have trouble with the candle as the smoke from the candle tends to stain the shaft.  I use a heat gun/ 

[Thesquirrelslinger]

  Thats a lot of heat quick a candle would work better you can control the heat to a small areas better. Get sero with a wick. Use to keep foods hot.  A lot of stafts in a can.

Thanks! I intend to try the candle... let me go talk to parents...

[Dan K]

Heat is heat.  too much is an element of time.  I streatened a dozens shafts on a wood burning stove this spring and they all turned out great.  I've been shooting them for a couple months and their still straight as an arrow

With practice you can use anything.  A candle works good when you're setting in front of the tv with the family.  Quiet and effective.  It does leave black marks but hey...adds character right!