Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Julian on January 22, 2015, 10:27:01 pm

Title: Dealing with knots - advice needed
Post by: Julian on January 22, 2015, 10:27:01 pm
I've noticed poking around the place that a lot of you drill through knots in the stave.
I'm currently working on a bit of Osage, and i've carefully worked around the knots until now and would love some advice on dealing with them.
Here's the back side of the knot. I've only just roughed out the bow. Those horizontal lines are from what's left of the bark. I think once I chase a ring the stave will clean up a lot. I might have to go a fair bit down though.
(http://i.imgur.com/rMJXZrE.jpg)
And the belly side
(http://i.imgur.com/gj1kWDs.jpg)
Full stave - it's a shorty for my girlfriend. Do you think it'll work for me?
(http://i.imgur.com/ZWh0dGP.jpg)
Title: Re: Dealing with knots - advice needed
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 22, 2015, 11:22:11 pm
Drilling and plugging is a yew wood trick, for the most part. Be OCD careful about avoiding grain violations and celebrate that knot!
Title: Re: Dealing with knots - advice needed
Post by: DavidV on January 22, 2015, 11:35:46 pm
Looks like you're dealing with it fine. I only drill dead knots, if it's solid on the back leave it.  If it's dead it isn't in the way because the wood grew around it like a "river". Just dig the knot out and clean it up with needle files. Sometimes the knot is only on the belly so you can plug them with sawdust and superglue.
Title: Re: Dealing with knots - advice needed
Post by: lebhuntfish on January 23, 2015, 12:05:55 am
Looks like you're dealing with it fine. I only drill dead knots, if it's solid on the back leave it.  If it's dead it isn't in the way because the wood grew around it like a "river". Just dig the knot out and clean it up with needle files. Sometimes the knot is only on the belly so you can plug them with sawdust and superglue.

+1, just take your time with the knots. Patrick