Steaming black locust

[bluejack]

Finally got a  nice  ring chased on a black locust stave but it is awful snakey thru the handle area. Can locust be steamed and bent the same as osage ? Thanks for any info !!

[Jakesnyder]

Yep it bends alot like osage. But it also checks like osage so make sure it is dry before heating it up

[George Tsoukalas]

Now, I know you haven't strung it yet but of you clamp a string tip to tip where does it fall.

Alternatives to steaming...

Leave the handle full width until at least the first stringing. Shape accordingly.

Leave nocks a good inch wide Cut the nock further to bring the string closer to center.

Jawge

[bluejack]

George, I laid  a string tip to tip-center of handle is 2" from string. bluejack

[bownarra]

Don't narrow the handle area.
Wait until the bow is strung then re-access. It doesn't really matter what it looks like unstrung.
once the bow is strung you will known the true string path.
Then shape the handle to the string path.
Bending the handle area is a last resort.

[George Tsoukalas]

That is a lot. The side to side movement is hard.  Do leave the handle full width to reiterate. Photos would help.

[bluejack]

After re-evaluating the stave it looks like if I take some of the propeller twist out of both limbs the string will be alot closer to the center of handle. Sorry I don`t do photos ! Thanks for the input-wish me luck !!