Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: tgr on September 13, 2010, 09:59:25 pm

Title: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: tgr on September 13, 2010, 09:59:25 pm
I recently heated and straightened my lower limb.  I noticed a crack around a knot.  Not sure if I can sand it out or glue it down.  I also noticed a hinge around the knot about 1/4 of the way down the left limb.

Any advice would be helpful.  72" beechwood, 55# backed with a linen skakeskin.

Tom R

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Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: tgr on September 13, 2010, 10:01:44 pm
I can't believe how small these pix are.  I wouldn't allow me to attach anything bigger.
TR
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: ken75 on September 13, 2010, 10:06:11 pm
hard to tell with the pics try emailing them to yourself and then post them. the crack looks to be in the limb edge ,might try super glue in the crack and binding the problem area. hopefully someone with better ideas will post soon
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: tgr on September 13, 2010, 10:08:41 pm
It's right on the edge towards the knot.  Very small, but I didn't notice it before I heated the limb.
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: LEGIONNAIRE on September 13, 2010, 10:25:35 pm
try thick rawhide, it will probably work if its not to big. Good luck

Cesar
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: tgr on September 13, 2010, 11:02:18 pm
I have some dried out strips of deer hide.  Each are about 3" wide and 2ft long.  I thought I might soften a piece with water and wrap it around with wood glue.  ANy thoughts?
TR
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: tgr on September 13, 2010, 11:22:00 pm
New Pix

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Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: sailordad on September 13, 2010, 11:52:31 pm
if it was my bow,and had that knot on the side like that with that big ol hunk sticking out of it
i would put fork in it and call it finished,ive never had much luck with knots let alone trying to fix damage near one
5 weeks to hunting season,plenty of time to make a new
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: osage outlaw on September 14, 2010, 12:38:56 am
if it was my bow,and had that knot on the side like that with that big ol hunk sticking out of it
i would put fork in it and call it finished,ive never had much luck with knots let alone trying to fix damage near one
5 weeks to hunting season,plenty of time to make a new

I agree with Sailordad.  If it was me.  I would be starting on a new bow.   I wouldn't want to be worrying about it breaking while drawing back on a deer.
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: oogabogachiefwalkingdeer on September 14, 2010, 01:14:09 am
Fill it with super glue and heat with a heat gun and  ahead and use it till you get another one made. It just may last a long long time. Mike Smyth
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: Parnell on September 14, 2010, 11:15:56 am
I'd hang it on a wall and remember the good ole days.  Like what's been said, use the time to build something you can trust.  Especially if you plan to hunt.  If it's all about an ethical shot, I don't think we'd be doing our due diligence to hunt with a compromised tool.  JMO.
Good luck.
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: elk country rp on September 14, 2010, 01:59:55 pm
i'm a big fan of the rawhide patch- glued, wrapped, and coated with super glue. not entirely primitive, but definitely functional.
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: Cacatch on September 14, 2010, 03:08:36 pm
It's also interesting that your bow is made of beechwood. Is there a reason you chose beech? If you do start a new bow, you could try a stronger wood if you have any available. Beech don't like to bend too many times before he breaks.

CP
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: George Tsoukalas on September 14, 2010, 03:55:56 pm
Try wrapping it with some sinew and hide glue if you have it. If not wrap it with some silk fabric set in epoxy and then wrap with art sinew set in epoxy. Jawge
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: youngbowyer33 on September 14, 2010, 06:59:20 pm
I'd sand it a bit, superglue it, then glue on some rawhide.
Title: Re: HELP! Crack in bow 5 weeks before opening day
Post by: tgr on September 15, 2010, 07:07:34 pm
Thanks for all the advice.  I sanded, epoxied and wrapped with softened, glued deer hide.  I'll keep my finders crossed!
TR,