Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DC on February 21, 2017, 08:16:30 pm

Title: Unbending recurves
Post by: DC on February 21, 2017, 08:16:30 pm

I while back I made a recurve that was too narrow and I couldn't get it to hold a string so it went in the barrel of shame. Now I have a young fella looking for a bow. Will it do any harm to steam the recurves out, or most of the way out? I'll probably leave the tips flipped.

Title: Re: Unbending recurves
Post by: LittleBen on February 21, 2017, 10:04:52 pm

If you have sufficient length just cut the tips down a bit. That will make it a lot more stable.

Title: Re: Unbending recurves
Post by: Pat B on February 21, 2017, 10:29:39 pm

I agree with Ben.

Title: Re: Unbending recurves
Post by: bubby on February 21, 2017, 10:51:10 pm

That or glue on some string bridges

Title: Re: Unbending recurves
Post by: mikekeswick on February 22, 2017, 03:16:30 am

No problem with steaming them again to straighten.
Stability isn't just linked to the length of recurves on wooden bows it is more to do with limb alignment and other issues.

Title: Re: Unbending recurves
Post by: Aaron H on February 22, 2017, 06:42:21 am

When unbending, you don't even need to apply pressure.  Just heat and watch it unfold back towards its original shape.  Dry heat or steam will both work

Title: Re: Unbending recurves
Post by: DC on February 22, 2017, 11:10:01 am

It didn't unfold by itself but it was very easy to unbend. We'll see how it gos.