Bow drying box

[Jakesnyder]

Does anyone dry there staves using a heat box? Can someone give me some plans to make one?

[osage outlaw]

I made a 6' long horizontal rectangle out of 1x12's and insulated it.  I cut an 8" circle in each end and use a small space heater to keep warm air flowing through it.   I have this hanging on the wall of my shop on shelf brackets.  I use it to dry out bow blanks. 

[High-Desert]

I use a Toyota, Tacoma model, 2004 for my stave drying. It's convenient because it's not only a stave drying box, it can also be used to transport you to work or other place you may need to go.

[Hawkdancer]

 High Desert,
It also has neat racks to lay the bows on, and a good ventilation system with variable temperature control? . Probably also handy for beer runs, etc!
Hawkdancer

[Pat B]

I use mine some. I do most of my bow work in the winter and my wood stove is my stave drier. I made it from Bingham's Projects(a sponsor) pattern but you can make one with  1/2" or 3/4" foam board and duct tape.

[Eric Krewson]

I build mine out of 1/4" plywood screwed to a frame. I could only get 90 degrees in the winter out in the unheated garage until I insulated it with cheap foam board, it will get really hot now, I have never maxed it out so I don't know  how hot. I use three lights on a dimmer switch and have vents in the top and bottom for natural convection for air flow. I built a shelf about the center of the box to disperse the heat and keep the wood away from the lights.

[Jakesnyder]

How long does it take you to dry out a stave? Can you dry one in a matter of weeks?

[Pat B]

All depends on the type of wood. Some whitewoods, yes but generally longer drying/seasoning time is better for more stable bow wood.