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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Inuumarue on June 27, 2011, 04:04:00 PM

Title: Wood hardener?
Post by: Inuumarue on June 27, 2011, 04:04:00 PM
Have any of you guys and galls used something like minwax wood hardener to prevent frets?  

I ran across a thread over on PA where wood hardener was recommended to increase the spine of weak arrows. I've had a few experiences using it when making knife handles but never with archery.  So it got me to thinking that maybe it would be useful in raising the MOR of some of the lighter or a particularly light board of bow-wood. The stuff is quite thin, and penetrates pretty well. So I was thinking would roughing a bow down near dimensions and then applying liberal amounts of the stuff to the belly do anything for the performance of the bow?

Any thoughts?
Adam

Side note, the stuff is pretty nasty, so a good respirator would be required at all times beyond that point.
Title: Re: Wood hardener?
Post by: UnderControl16 on June 27, 2011, 05:25:00 PM
interesting idea this is the first i've heard of it. It sounds like it would work but i don't know. i would be interested in any tests you do.

Mo
Title: Re: Wood hardener?
Post by: 4est trekker on June 27, 2011, 07:53:00 PM
Tried it, and it doesn't work for that purpose.  It simply doesn't add the strength required to combat frets.  I've done several experiments related to increased compression strength, increase in draw weight, etc.  It just doesn't hold up to the abuse a bow imparts on it.  Good thought, though...been there myself  :)