How do I straighten wood for bow making?

Question

I am interested in beginning to build longbows. I have tried repeatedly to cut down hardwood trees that should be good to start with. The problem is that most of the one I have split in half have at least some twist in them. I spoke to a guy that said that I need to steam them to straighten them. How should I go about doing this and what do you use to twist them straight while they are being steamed? Thanks.

Answer 1

LOOK UP HOW TO BUILD A STEAM BOX
PRETTY SIMPLE CONSTRUCTION REALLY
SMALL ENUFF TO PUT IN THE GARAGE
YOU WILL EITHER HAVE TO BUILD SOME WOODEN FIXTURES OR USE A SERIES OF CLAMPS AS EACH PC OF WOOD WILL HAVE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS
AS THE WOOD IS STEAMED AND BEGINS TO CONFORM TO THE SHAPE YOU KEEP MOVING THE TENSION POINTS ON THE WOOD TO GET TO WHERE YOU WANT IT AND GO JUST A LITTLE FARTHER TO ALLOW FOR A SHRINK-BACK WHEN THE WOOD RE-DRIES
THE STEAM BOX IS SIMPLE TO BUILD FROM MATERIALS AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL HARDWARE
THE REAL TRICK IS LEARNING TO "READ" THE WOOD

Answer 2

Well, Mr. R. Hood, you might want to try someplace that cuts wood specially. But first try Home Depot or something like that. They cut lumber, although I don't know whether they cut it in a curved shape--never hurts to ask though.

Answer 3

steam is the start let them steam for a while but must put pressure on them to get them in line.

Answer 4

use osage orange wood, thats what many indian tribes used. shouldn't have to straighten it too much. if you use steam, you'll probaly need some kind of vice or vices, and some clamps. and some elbow grease.

Answer 5

Using sandpaper can help