Heat treating grease.

[Del the cat]

Now I'm a convert to heat treating (hallelujah!), does grease help get a more even and better colour finish?
I've nearly finished a nice Hazel bow, the heat treating during tillering has lfet a mucky grey finish which isn't very attractive (as the Hazel has very liitle grain to speak of).
Will grease before the final heat treatment help give better colour and finish?...If so, has anyone used chicken fat (There's on in the oven right now, so I'll have some hot fat!)
Del

[Pat B]

I use grease(olive oil) when I heat bend wood because it prevents scorching and I think it allows the heat to penetrate better and more evenly plus it holds the heat longer. I think any fat, animal or vegatable will work to prevent scorching.
  When I want to heat treat(temper) the belly wood I don't use oil. I want the wood to scorch and become brittle. I'll give the bow plenty of time to rehydrate after tempering as a safety factor.
  On a bow I built early this year for a TradGang trade I had to heat the stave so many times I think it tempered it even using oil on it.

[Del the cat]

Cheers, I'll do this one without grease then, and experiment with grease on one I want to bend.
I can't wait to get this one done and posted, I think it's going to be a good 'un but fingers crossed, there's many a slip twixt cup and lip.
Del