Can wood rehydrate?

[Prarie Bowyer]

So I've steamed and cooked the crap out of an elm stave trying to straighten it From a trusted banana shape.

Need to devise a better process but it is getting there.  I've got a few cracks started at the tip, in the belly and on the side.  I think they will be worked out so I'm continuing with the bow.  This was mostly about learning to bend problem wood so I'm not loosing sleep.

But if it can make a bow I'd like it.  Can rehydrating be accomplished and even accelerated?

[PatM]

Of course. The damper the environment the faster the wood will re-hydrate.

[Prarie Bowyer]

I didn't know if there was a point of no return.

[Hrothgar]

In a semi-natural state wood gives up and takes in moisture throughout its life. But after its been heat treated, toasted etc. I think there is a limit. Seems like I've read or been told that when wood gets up around 160-170 degrees something irreversible happens to the cells. Don't quote me on this.

[PatM]

It can always take up or lose moisture. Still, it does end up being the raisin/grape analogy.

[Pat B]

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it takes on moisture and gives off moisture as the relative humidity goes up and down. Even after wood rots down to humus it still takes on and gives off moisture as the R/H changes.

[Prarie Bowyer]

So how do I speed it up?

[Del the cat]

So how do I speed it up?

Chuck it in a river
Or leave it in bath/shower room.
Del

[bradsmith2010]

it will probably be fine if you let it set for a week,,, but you can floor tiller and shape now

[DC]

Buy a scale that is accurate to a gram or less. Weigh it every day. If the weight is going up it's still rehydrating.