Heat bending HELP

[M Koop]

I want to buy a heat gun.
To what temperature do I need to heat red oak to bend it?
I can buy one that heats up to 900 degrees is that enough. Any advice on how to heat bend wood would be appreciated

[T Folts]

I dont know how hot the guns get. What I used to do when making all wood bows was coat the bow in vegetable oil and slowly heat the bow in small sections while clamping in a caul to introduce reflex working from the handle to the tip. You want to heat until you can't touch the bow but not burn the exterior. It will turn a brownish color but not black just keep the gun moving back and forth.

[Pat B]

Koop, you don't have to buy the best. The one I use I bought for $5 at a flea market about 10 years ago. I believe it is a Black and Decker with 2 settings. I usually only use it on high. No idea what temp it is.

[IdahoCurt]

I like using a wall paper steamer with the hose going to a lenght of pvc tube.Wagner makes the one I bought used for $25 and it works great.

[M Koop]

thanks for the help. When i bend the recurve do i apply more heat to the belly or the back to get the best result

[George Tsoukalas]

I bought mine  a few years ago. It has 2 settings--hot and hotter. Does the job fine. I paid $25. Jawge

[vanillabear?]