Author Topic: Fire hardened wood (Read 4097 times)

E. Jensen · « **on:** January 12, 2016, 07:30:17 pm »

I am looking for some good sources on prehistoric fire hardening of wood. I am doing my master's paper on thermal modification, which is different but similar. Cooking whole boards to 400F+. A new-ish process in the industry. I'd like to relate it back to the ancient process but can't find any information on it. Granted, I have no experience looking up research outside of forestry! I've asked Jeeves and googlescholar. Nada. Also, anything scientific (already got TBB) about heat treating bows would be great too.

fredie · « **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2016, 07:34:54 pm »

the only thing I know is like for some kind of tip rub it on a log till it blackens smokless fire hardening

JacksonCash · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2016, 08:34:37 am »

My wife's got her masters in prehistoric archeology, with a focus on experimental archeology. She may know something. I'll run it by her.

E. Jensen · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2016, 08:49:56 am »

That would be awesome thanks! Experimental archeology sounds bad ass

JacksonCash · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2016, 12:20:20 pm »

She's a much better knapper than I am because of this(though I'm not a good measure). She's done some abo type drilling, and skinned a deer with stone scrapers she made. She's had a lot of fun with it, and I'm a bit jealous of when she gets to do these things.

Zuma · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2016, 01:25:33 pm »

There are a couple things going on. First the drier the wood the tougher and sharper.
Also the carbon is polished into the grain, helping with strength and penetration.
Maybe it creates bucky balls

Zuma

E. Jensen · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2016, 07:00:35 pm »

Thanks Zuma but I need some references I can cite in my paper.

Zuma · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2016, 07:26:31 pm »

Try a google search for "fire hardining".
My mouse is broken or I would get you a link.
Zuma

JacksonCash · « **Reply #8 on:** January 15, 2016, 12:48:27 pm »

She hasn't done anything with fire hardening, so she doesn't know of any good resources off hand, but said she'd put out some inquires.

Chippintuff · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2016, 03:04:11 pm »

You can probably find something on the "Bows" forum on this site.

WA

JacksonCash · « **Reply #10 on:** January 15, 2016, 04:27:13 pm »

I did find this, though the link doesn't work. Might give you a lead though: http://www.biab.ac.uk/contents/27405

Edit: Found it: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/12317405/initial-observations-from-experiments-into-the-possible-use-of-fire-

Primitive Archer