Heat or steam?

[always89]

Hey guys,
Thought I would run this by you. I have my brother in laws OOOLLLDDDDD longbow, and its in bad shape. One limb had taken quite a bit od set. 4 inches to be exact. I have stripped the bow down to its naked wood, and was wondering if I should steam it after clamping, or break out the heat gun?

[pappy]

Ant sure how much it will help after the fact,some I have done it helped and others it didn't help much but if it is old wood I would use heat for sure.
   Pappy

[razorback]

Heat for dry wood, steam for wet wood. That said, from what I have read here and other places set comes from the damage that is done to the wood on the belly, when it is under compression. This damage can't be undone as it is the crushing of fibers and cells that causes the set. You can try to bend it back into shape but I don't think it will help much and could destroy the bow completely. Send a PM to Pat, John or George to get a better educated answer.

[Pat B]

How old is this bow? It may be better to leave it as it is and enjoy it's historic value and not try to shoot it. I have a few old lemonwood and hickory bows I bought at a flea market years ago and just have them on the wall to enjoy that way.   Pat