I need to bend a section of a top limb on an Osage bow. But it is tillered to proper weight, nearly done sanding, but not finished. Can I bend it a quarter if an inch to help line up my string through the center of the handle? I'll use a heat gun. And, if I should try it, what type of oil should I use? :help:
any cooking oil.
Is the string lining up out side or inside the handle?
pictures
If the string is within the handle and on the correct side, I'd leave it alone. A little twist isn't a problem with a selfbow like it would be with a glass bow. Got any pics?
Is this with the bow braced that it happens or even when it isn't strung?
Bend it if you like. It won't hurt anything if done properly. No oil needed. I've made hundreds of heat corrections... never used oil once. :dunno:
They use oil at MoJam, Maybe at the Tn. Classic
Just don't over heat it :thumbsup:
I've done corrections with and without oil. I usually use it to help prevent scorching the wood and I think it helps hold the heat in and helps distribute more evenly. Either way will work. I have used olive oil and canola oil because that's what we have on hand. Any oil or fat will work but a heat correction may not be necessary.
With all due respect Pat, I find it hard to believe oil does what you say it does. I never, ever scorch the wood without oil while making a correction, not even a tiny bit. Won't do that to my bows. The heat is distributed evenly by the way I run the gun and only needs retained until the bend is made, which is often also when I shut the gun off.... sometimes I'm making the bend as I'm running the gun. Depends.
It's all good. I don't care if everyone but me greases their bows up, I'll never do it, or advocate it. My experience has shown me too many times that it's unnecessary.
One thing to remember is the handle bend won't be 1/4", a fractional bend in the handle with magnify the tip movement tremendously.
Bend that handle, it will take a lot less then you think to move the string over 1/4".
I don't use oil but I do use a reflector to distribute and concentrate the heat.
Thanks for the tips, Guys. I clamped and heated the bowed section and brought in line with arrow shelf. Moved it about 1/2 inch. Didn't use oil.