Cracked Ramrod

[J.D.]

Some guys use kerosene. I have had good luck soaking mine in mineral oil.

So how often does everyone resoak those rammers?

What does the kerosene, BLO, mineral oil, or what have you leave behind that keeps the rods flexible?

The answer is nothing. The effects of soaking are gone once the rod dries out. IMHO, soaking wooden rammers is a waste of time effort and good money, all for nothing.

Horsesoldier03, the reason animal fat was applied to arrows was to help transmit heat from a fire into the center of the shaft to facilitate straightening. Not to make them more flexible.

The arrows were no more flexible after they cooled than before fat and heat were applied. :v


J.D.

 

[gmww]

This sounds like a possible show for Myth busters. :hmm:

 

[Birddog6]

Now that sounds possible..... many a time I have had my RR sneak out past the barrel & blackened the H out of it. Never broke out there but have burnt them many a time....... I can see where that is possible & more probably than breaking or cracking in the barrel under normal use.

 

[longcruise]

I have my doubts on the concussion theory. I often use ramrods that are 3 to 4 inches overlength to make them easier to use in the field. I leave a jag screwed into it to boot. Never had one crack or break from concussion. They get kinda black on the end though!

 

[Allan Gray]

When I worked in the furniture industry we'd make wood more pliable for bending by soaking it in water and fabric softener, like "Downey" brand.
I suppose "Snuggles" would work too but that little bear irritates the c**p out of me. :cursing:
Not honestly sure how long the flexibility would last for a RR, though.

 

[Bon Sauvage]

My ramrods seem to remain flexible much longer when I go ahead and soak them. But after reading Paul's post I'm starting to believe that the oil I use is not so much soaking into the rod and keeping it flexible as it is preventing the natural moisture already in the rod from drying out.

I have a battery powered moisture detector that I use to determine the moisture content of bow staves. I think cut a few rods out of the same hickory board one of these days and run a little experiment.


Ogre

 

[J.D.]

Hickory has a habit of soakng ambient moisture from the air and not releasing it. That's why Hickory bows are known for taking back set.

Hickory is also known for the intertwined grain, that makes it so strong and flexible.

Hickory is about the only wood a bowyer doesn't have to follow a ring on. It's best to follow a ring, but not necessary. Other woods will break, right quick, if a ring is cut on the back of the bow, Hickory usually won't.

IMHO, soaking a hickory rod is a waste of time. It's you rod, your nickle, and your time. Have fun with them.
J.D.

 

[shmrck1]

Greg,
The first piece of advice I would give
is do not repair any ramrod and then use it.If it
be original repair it and hold it.
It is really not that exspensive to replace with a Hickory rod.I am no expert about much, but
my experience with hickory rods is this.Buy a
dozen,check them carefully and if you are lucky
be able to use 6/8.Maybe less.When I get mine
the first thing I do is wipe them down with
mineral oil a couple of times and tie them to
the 1x2 piece of wood they came with.Let dry
for a couple of days in a warm place.I then repeat the process at the most, two more times.
Being sure to tie up tightly with the 1x2 after
each application.After the final mineral oil
application I will let them set,when I can in the Sun but always in a warm place.(I use the laundry room,door closed).Then I will wipe them with
a lightly coated rag with stain.It is at this time that the grain will show itself, and you will see the good from the bad.
No matter how you you treat it.Never,NeverPush a wooden rod down the
barrell with you hand over the top of the
rod.IMO
snake-eyes:hmm: