Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Markus on November 13, 2024, 07:15:24 am

Title: Drying bow staves.
Post by: Markus on November 13, 2024, 07:15:24 am
What is your opinion on keeping bowstaves that are, let us say half dry. Do you keep them laying flat or standing on end? The reason I ask is a storage space problem. Thanks.
Title: Re: Drying bow staves.
Post by: Bill B. on November 13, 2024, 08:02:53 am
Space for me is an issue also. Most of my staves in slit log form are stored vertically in my garage. The ones that I want to work next, if not already done I’ll chance a ring or debark and store in the house horizontally. Just don’t forget to seal the back again.
Title: Re: Drying bow staves.
Post by: Eric Krewson on November 13, 2024, 09:53:31 am
If you are not overloaded with them, I would cut them down to bow blanks to reduce the volumn, I store my bow blanks horizontally. I can store 15 bow blanks in a very small space. The down side is green blanks might warp but ones half dry probably won't. I always end up heat correcting my blanks in one way or another, usually reflexing them so any small warpage isn't a problem.



Title: Re: Drying bow staves.
Post by: Pat B on November 14, 2024, 03:37:36 pm
Like Eric said, reduce to bow blank stage, seal the back and ends and store them horizontally. If you have a few that are still wet you can bind 2 together, back to back until they are drier. This will help prevent unwanted twisting and bending. Manipulating with heat later is usually an option with most woods.
Title: Re: Drying bow staves.
Post by: bassman211 on November 18, 2024, 08:34:17 pm
I take them down wet, floor tiller, and clamp on a form. When they are dry they are straight with reflex ,and belly heated treated, and ready to tiller.