Starting another one...

[Gaust]

Here it is, a few days later and after being tillered to brace.  Giving the stave a modest belly toasting to get a little reflex going.  It's still over the draw weight by about ten lbs.   Next, I'll steam the tips and bend in a little recurve.  Trying for statics, but we'll see how that goes.  Any comments at this point are sure welcomed.
George

[Onebowonder]

No suggestions, only compliments, as I've yet to play with hackberry for myself.  I am really enjoying watching your progress on this build.  I WISH I could have a shop as neat and tidy as yours appears to be by-the-by...

OneBow

[Gaust]

Thanks, Onebow.  I'm excited to see what happens next myself.  I keep looking back to TBB and past posts for any suggestions.  This stave has been more work than the first two that's for sure.  And, btw, I usually clean up the place before I take a pic, so it's not all what it appears at times.
George

[bubby]

Did you check Pearl's Hackberry static he did in the how to 's it's sinewed but you can check out how he did the statics

[Gaust]

Bubby, I sure did.  Chris's how-to has been my main source of info and inspiration.  This one is a little longer, and will not have sinew on it.  Hope I left enough wood on the ends for statics, but we'll see.
George

[bubby]

They look plenty thick to me, have you got your static jig all built

[Gaust]

Bubby, yeah here it is.  Not as sharp a curve as Chris's, but I guess it will have to do. 
George

[BarredOwl]

Lookin good.  I'm curious to see if over time it creeps a little back towards the shape it started before you started heating and straightening it.  Can't wait to see it start bending. 

[SLIMBOB]

Looking good.  Waiting to see it bent over.

[bubby]

George, after you steam them in after a few days you can put it back in the form and set the bend with dry heat, I've only had to do this once but it did the job

[Gaust]

BarredOwl, I hear you.  Makes me wonder if all this straightening and bending is going to hold up in the long run.  It's like forcing someone to do something instead of letting them decide to do it themselves.  Which would be better and/or more permanent?  Well, I confess that I stroke this wood after each heating, telling it that it's okay and that it's all for the best.  It could have ended up being mulch or firewood, but instead its going to be a bow.  That is, it will be a bow if I don't screw it up.
George

[IdahoMatt]

That's looking like a great little form. I tend to like the softer curves.

[Gaust]

Bubby, I'll try that.

IdahoMatt, I prefer the softer curves, too.  Since this is 64" ntn, I figure I've got enough bending limb for a longer curve, even with this 5" grip.  Hopefully, it will work out okay.

George

[PEARL DRUMS]

Id suggest making that bend with dry heat and temper it right to the tip while your at it. It wont budge if you do.

[Gaust]

Thanks, Chris.  I'll try it that way.
George