Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Picklegiant on September 13, 2015, 09:10:26 pm

Title: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: Picklegiant on September 13, 2015, 09:10:26 pm

Hello all,

I was just wondering how much wood has to be taken of to violate a growth ring. I was debarking some mountain ash and I guess in the process nicked the sap wood in a couple of places. The nicks are only millimetres deep ( imagine a small splinter lifted up ). Is that enough to compromise the bow if so any fixes?

Thanks
Ethan

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: tattoo dave on September 13, 2015, 09:22:43 pm

Hey Ethan, welcome to PA. So, without seeing a pic it's hard to say. However, always better safe than sorry. Wouldn't hurt to just back it with something. Lots of soft backing options out there. But if it's too deep, you may need to sand the back down then hard back it.

Tattoo Dave

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: bradsmith2010 on September 14, 2015, 04:30:06 pm

back it , or go down a growth ring ,,, or chance it,, I have tried all the options ,, usually the one that takes the most work ,, works  :)

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 14, 2015, 08:50:14 pm

I have nicks in my bow backs after taking the bark off.
they come out after a few passes with 100 grit so if the nick is like that then you should be fine.

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: OffTiller on September 14, 2015, 11:09:26 pm

working on first stave bow myself today and encountered the same issue. i left some cambium on back for camo but i think i lifted some bow wood. i'm working on hickory and i know that wood is pretty forgiving. i don't have any experience to solve your problem and don't know how i'll handle my issue but just wanted to wish you luck.

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: Picklegiant on September 20, 2015, 06:56:41 pm

here is a pick of the nick

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 20, 2015, 07:36:08 pm

Like I said, if it comes out with a little bit of sanding then you're fine. The nick I think your looking at (is it inbetween those two blue lines next to the knot?) looks to be insignificant and easily gotten out.

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: tattoo dave on September 20, 2015, 08:01:07 pm

I agree with bow and arrow. I can barley see it, go for it.

Tattoo Dave

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 21, 2015, 08:12:36 am

Unless my eyes deceiveth me? That look to be a mighty fine tear out on the left side. And that's not "ok". That's a broken bow if such is the case.

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 21, 2015, 08:38:21 am

Pearl is right, I see the tear out too, if that is going to be included in the final bow you might want to consider some rawhide.

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: Picklegiant on September 26, 2015, 01:11:07 pm

That is not the nick i am talking about, the nick is more to the right side of the pic, I tilted the bow sideways so you can see the depth of it. The nick is teh white ish spot

Title: Re: Nick in the Back of a Bow
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 26, 2015, 09:20:57 pm

In that case, it looks to me like you cut into the bow. I would back it.