I found a crack and need help

[Walski]

This is my favorite bow that I use for elk hunting, it 66" ntn, 56# at 28, 1 1/2 at the fade down to 1/2 nock and made from Osage.    I have about 400 hundred arrows through it, when I noticed a crack in the upper mid limb.   Can this bow be saved?
 

[Pat B]

Fortunately it is running with the grain and doesn't look like it runs off the limb. I would saturate it with thin super glue from back and belly making sure it goes deep on each side then put a wrap on that area. Sinew, silk thread or other thin, strong thread saturated with glue. you can add a wrap on the other limb for symmetry...or not.

[bownarra]

I'd do the same and wrap with sinew. Mix some earth pigment into the glue and make the wrap decorative You will have to remove the finish in that area but worth it.

[Hamish]

I'm surprised you only just noticed it. Its a drying crack, not something from stress or weakness. It was probably always in the stave, or developed as you were making it, because it wasn't dry enough. Its the flexing in the finish that shows it up. It poses no threat to the bow.

Yes you could flood it with superglue, but there's no need to wrap it as it isn't close to the edge, let alone running off the side.

[Walski]

Thank you guys for your response, I was upset when I saw this crack and stopped shooting it.    I'll fill it with super glue and keep an eye on this crack, I like the ideal of a warp for added insurance.

[simson]

Clamp the bow in a vice, bend it by hand and watch if the crack will open. If it does fill in runny super glue while bent, hold a few seconds til glue is vaporated in the crack.
If doesn't anything, I would leave it.

[Hamish]

Take a look at Simons latest masterpiece. It is shot full of such cracks, all within the stave, safe as houses to shoot, no wraps.

[Rowan Bows]

agree to that. if it opens while bending glue it.if it doesnt leave it