question for self bowyers

[grouse11]

So here's the deal. I was working on my 4th bow from an osage tree I cut down last January. I decided to be ambitious and try a recurve (so far have made a bendy handle 55", standard longbow 62", and r/d 62"). Anyway im using only dry heat and the first recurve bent beautifully. I gave it a couple days because I tend to rush and make mistakes. Second recurve did not go as well and just completely folded. I was upset until i realized that I had a nice 46" piece that I didnt know what to do with. An hour later I had a bow cut in half with a z-cut at the handle. Worked a ring on the short piece amd cut limb profile and to length and a matching z-cut. Looks like it will line go beautifully on the dry run.

Anyway sorry for being so long winded. Here is my question. I really dont want to glue this together and then ruin it again while trying to recurve. Ive never tried anythimg but dry head but eas wondering if i could boil the second limb to acheive the curve? Will there be any shooting characeristics that will differ between the two limbs with one boiled and one dry heat? I want to avoid steam just because I dont have a good place to set that up.

Thanks ahead for all the help! I'll try and get some photos up of this build as well as my other bows

[Pat B]

Boiling or steaming is the best way to bend recurves, less chance of splintering or cracking. If you have shellac I'd recommend using it on the back and end. The heat and moisture won't adversely affect the shellac like it would other sealers. Once the steamed limb has a chance to dry you can heat treat the belly of that recurve to set the recurve and it should be very similar to the one you bent with dry heat.
Looking forward to seeing the completed bow.