How to Heat Treat a Bow

The bow and arrow was invented so that hunters did not have to get as close to their prey. Stone was prepared for flaking by heat treating. "Flaking" is the process of chipping away at flint or other stones normally used to create arrowheads. This creates a sharp edge and point for the arrowhead. Heat treating has turned out to be the magic formula to self bowery and has modernized over the years. The process involves giving the wood less weight, a flat belly (the compression side of the bow), and flexing the form to increase string strength and performance. This has proven to be the winning combination for masters of hunting.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-4-by-24 inch spruce wood
  • Vice
  • Adjustable screw size clamps
  • Heating gun
  • Shims
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a shallow curve in the longest side of the spruce, approximately 1 inch wide, to accommodate the narrow bow limbs. This will serve as your reflex form. The upper limb is the part of the bow that extends from the center handle to the upper tip. The lower limb is the part of the bow that extends from the center handle to the lower tip.

    • 2

      Clamp the reflex form in a vice. It is important that the form is dry or splits can develop in the belly. Clamp the lower limb tip, belly up, on one end of the form using an adjustable screw size clamp. The lower limb tip is located at the bottommost point of the bow. Reflex the limb by clamping the bow down to the other end of the reflex form using an adjustable screw size clamp.

    • 3

      Use shims to correct any spacing between the reflex form and the bow or to add more reflex where needed. For first-time heat treating, this will require a trial-and-error process as you master the technique.

    • 4

      Position the heat gun over the lower limb tip end. Turn the heat gun on a high setting and direct the heat at the tip end. Heat the limbs to at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After roughly 5 minutes the wood will begin to give off a cedar-like aroma and turn toasty brown. Brown is the desired color result of the wood. A black color means the wood was overheated. Move the heat gun down a few inches at a time and continue the heating process until you have heated the entire limb.

    • 5

      Let the bow sit for 2 hours to cool down. Once it has cool, flip the reflex form over and repeat this process for the upper limb.