Working on my 8th bow, gonna try something new. I plan a plains-style osage; 3/4 " handle fading out to 2" limbs, tapered to 5/8' tips. I want this bow short, about 54" for hunting. Shooting for 50#; probably sinew and snake backed. I plan to flip the tips about 1 1/2" over the last 6" to the tips. Not sure if I'll steam the tips, boil them after coating in oil, or using heat gun. Any suggestions or advice from some of you veterans on this technique?
Can I ask what weight and draw length you are intending to make this bow at? And I'd use dry heat for that subtle of a bend...
I use dry heat for flipping osage tips.
If the wood is green, I'd steam it. If it's dry I'd use the heat gun.
I never put oil on my bows prior to heating and bending... and I've done it countless times without ill effect.
I don't use oil either.