Bending Hackberry

[Gaust]

For those who have worked with hackberry, a question:  Can you bend this wood with dry heat after rubbing with vegetable oil, or is it better to use steam?
George

[Arrowind]

You should check this out. 

https://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,31738.0.html

[Gaust]

Arrowind, thanks for the link.  I wanted to straighten this stave I'm working on to reduce its deflex limbs.  I'll be sure and round off the edges prior to bending.  But that build along makes me ask another question:  Is it recommended that you toast a hackberry belly, even if it's 1 7/8" inches wide?  I did not think I needed to.
George

[wood_bandit 99]

That seems wide. I bet you could get away with it but toasting it would be playing it safe with possibly better results

[bubby]

Heat treat the belly and that's not to narrow

[Arrowind]

Arrowind, thanks for the link.  I wanted to straighten this stave I'm working on to reduce its deflex limbs.  I'll be sure and round off the edges prior to bending.  But that build along makes me ask another question:  Is it recommended that you toast a hackberry belly, even if it's 1 7/8" inches wide?  I did not think I needed to.
George

sure.  I have not used hackberry so I won't attempt to comment on what is best dry heat or steam.  I usually go by a general rule though - for big bends use steam for mild bends dry heat (it's faster and you have more control).  Anyway I'd say you'd be fine either way.... As for toasting, you really don't HAVE to toast anything ever if you don't want to.  It is just one more thing you can do to add performance.  I just started heat treating my bows earlier this year and will definitely continue.  I personally really like the results.  It's not so much about the width. If I understand your question correctly - are you asking - If it's wide enough then heat treating isn't needed -  or is it? correct? You don't need to heat treat but if you do you will most likely be glad you did....

[AH]

I've found that steaming hackberry turns it to rubber.

[toomanyknots]

Hackberry likes to be steam bent,.. or rather, it loves to be steam bent. Yes, rounding the edges before bending is a good idea. This wood really is fantastic for steaming recurves.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Dry heat is great, leave the oil on your shelf. Keep all that width you can, that isn't too wide. I highly suggest tempering it as well.

[SLIMBOB]

+1 PD.  Dry heat , no oil (its just easier since you don't have to clean it off), keep your width, temper, temper.  Surprisingly good bow wood if treated properly.

[Gaust]

Thanks all for your replies.  What do you think about cantilevering 3/4 of each limb off the table with a weight hanging off the end and then applying dry heat to have it bend gently.  I think I can eyeball it till it straightens out.  It won't take much, each has about a 3" deflex right now.
George

[PEARL DRUMS]

I wont make an even round bend, it will "kink" it odds are.

[ohma2]

ive made my share of hack berry bows and ive found it to be alot stronger than some give it credit.it makes a great recurve and molly . ive used dry heat and steam and had great results with both.

[Gaust]

I'm going to try and post these photos of the stave so far.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Put a chunk of 2 x 4 under your handle and clamp the tips down. Then temper it. It will give you about 1 1/2" starting reflex. No caul needed, unless you have one of course.