Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DirtyDan on May 23, 2008, 02:37:11 pm

Title: Cracks on the back
Post by: DirtyDan on May 23, 2008, 02:37:11 pm

Lately I have been having trouble with my osage self bows getting longitudinal cracks on the back after I get them down to one ring and floor tiller them.  Is there any way to stop this.  I know it does not affect the performance, but it just looks bad.

Dan

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: Dano on May 23, 2008, 02:43:09 pm

I'd seal the back with shellac, it sounds like the wood is still a little wet.

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 23, 2008, 02:46:29 pm

If there is a long time between chasing the ring and finishing the bow you need to seal the back. Jawge

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: Eric Krewson on May 23, 2008, 04:28:03 pm

Yep, your wood is a little green or you live in an area with very low relative humidity. Usually seasoned osage is very stable but sometimes will get a few checks on the back. Superglue the checks and they won't be a problem.

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: Far East Archer on June 26, 2008, 08:52:50 am

Hey guys I didnt want to start a new thread...because this one already has the right topic!  ;D

Well, I have some osage that is dried quite well, but when I heat treated it I found the back would make the same cracks described above. Can I seal the back to prevent this or is there some other technique?

Thanks!
Alex

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: Pappy on June 26, 2008, 09:10:56 am

If the wood is still fairly green it will do that when you heat the belly.If the wood is less than 2/3 years old I always steam first  to straighten and put in reflex then use the heat gun and yes I seal the back.  :) I am taking about Osage.Hickory and most white wood aren't as bad but I still seal
them.
   Pappy

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: Far East Archer on June 26, 2008, 09:13:58 am

Thanks Pappy!  :)
I'll try that out today, will polyurethane work?

Alex

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: Pappy on June 26, 2008, 09:19:53 am

Ya that is what I use most of the time. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: Far East Archer on June 26, 2008, 09:24:00 am

Great!
Thanks again, really a life saver haha  :D

Alex

Title: Re: Cracks on the back
Post by: DCM on June 26, 2008, 11:29:53 am

It may help to remember wood will acclimate to whatever the humidity level is at the time.  So a stave seasoned down to 6% moisture content in winter can gain back up to 10% or more in the summer.  Not a heck of a lot more, but enough that very rapid drying of a thicker area can still cause drying checks, ie. the "cracks" being discussed.