Author Topic: Osage question with regard to crack and growth around it (Read 908 times)

rhansen · « **on:** July 20, 2020, 11:24:55 am »

This is my first osage stave, but not my first build, and I have a question for you guys that have used osage before. I have two cracks on the stave; #1 in the fade which goes through to the belly with punk in it (I've dug most of that out); #2 has a larger crack that goes through to the belly of the bow as well. My plan is to fill the cracks on the bows back with super glue and then to fill the belly side with epoxy mixed with sawdust. The questions that I have are. Is this a good plan and should I leave the cracks on the back side proud like I have them or can I take them down to the ring that I have chased. Pictures are included

Pat B · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2020, 03:27:58 pm »

Those aren't cracks but knots. Treat them like any other knot. Be sure the back growth ring is not violated as it goes into the knot on the back. Get rid of the punky wood inside the knots but don't fill the voids. It's not necessary. You've left extra wood around both knots so just take it easy while you tiller. You might leave the areas near the knots a little stiff as you tiller each limb.