Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: RobWiden on March 28, 2012, 05:06:37 pm

Title: Twisted
Post by: RobWiden on March 28, 2012, 05:06:37 pm

    I have several yew staves with a 90 degree twist in 6 ft. I seem to remember reading somewhere on here that yew responds well to dry heat, but I can't find it. Anybody know if I can untwist them with a heat gun?    Rob

Title: Re: Twisted
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on March 28, 2012, 05:09:29 pm

I dont know your answer. I do know you cant use them as is, so try it and see what happens? They arent any good otherwise right?

Title: Re: Twisted
Post by: artcher1 on March 28, 2012, 05:52:03 pm

Not much experience with yew, but I bet you could make your staves kind of board-like and steam/heat straighten. Then add your handle piece after that ;).

Title: Re: Twisted
Post by: Del the cat on March 28, 2012, 05:53:20 pm

I've straightened Yew with both steam and dry heat it responded well to both. Haven't taken out twist just up/down right/left bends.
Give it plenty of time clamped up after treatment to stabilise (at least 2 days IMO) else it might creep back.
Del

Title: Re: Twisted
Post by: Gordon on March 28, 2012, 05:58:51 pm

I've taken out twist in yew with dry heat - but never 90 degrees worth  :o

Title: Re: Twisted
Post by: RobWiden on March 28, 2012, 10:21:12 pm

    Thanks, guys. Sounds like it's well worth trying. I'll try to remember to let you know how it works out.

Title: Re: Twisted
Post by: JW_Halverson on March 28, 2012, 11:30:22 pm

I've taken as much as 120 degrees of twist out of osage, but not yew.  With a lot of twist, you can't get greedy.  Take it out 6-8 inches at a time and allow several days in between treatments. 

Good luck and post your progress along with pics.

Title: Re: Twisted
Post by: RobWiden on April 01, 2012, 09:30:41 pm

    Well, guys, it's slow but it's working. I'm still having trouble with 20th century technology, can't seem to get pictures posted. Maybe I'll find time to work on that next week.    Rob