Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Doug509 on January 18, 2026, 06:40:45 pm
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Been sitting on this Vine Maple stave for quite a while. Decided to get after it. 71" OAL. Bung hole in upper limb. Wonky and highly reflexed. Steam bent to align tips, then dry heat to reduce the reflex. Just starting to behave so i can begin tillering. Good times.
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Looking great so far! I've never tried vine maple but that one sure has some character.
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Looking good so far, holes I love but bug holes not so much, they can go in really strange places that you can't see. :)
Pappy
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I would have to second pappy. I would be worried about the bug holes.
Shame it looked like you were getting that one under control
Bjrogg
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It will be interesting to see how this one comes together. When you say bung hole do you mean that knot hole on the one limb?
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I believe the hole is from an old dead limb that died & rotted out and the tree healed itself by growing around it. Hopefully i can safely tiller and it doesnt break. Here is the belly side of that holy maple.
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That looks like just a knot hole to me, knot holes grow around the hole so no ring violation , un like a worm hole. I would just clean out all the dead stuff and maybe soak it in some thin super glue, be careful when you clean it out to try an not violate the rings [rings are usually thin around the hole] and it will probably be fine. I always leave some extra wood around the hole to make up for what is gone in the middle. ;)Good luck.
Pappy
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I agree. I think I was looking at bug hole on your bench maybe and not the knot in question.
I’d say it’s worth a try.
Good luck.
Bjrogg
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Looks like it is trying to split on either end of the hole, I have had them do that and generally wrap with sinew or thread on both sides of the hole to keep it from splitting wide open. Ya BJ I hadn't even noticed them bug holes in the bench :) :) and he said bung hole not bug hole, need to read closer I guess. :)
Pappy
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There is a split in the dead wood. I like the visual contrast of dark brown and white maple. Im considering Pappy's idea to wrap with sinew then saturate the dead wood with hide glue. Also didnt mean to confuse bung and bug hole :D. The upper limb with knot hole is 36" which should help spread stress I hope.
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That is definitely a challenging stave. I agree with flaking off any of the dead wood around the knot hole then filling the cracks with a thin superglue. Superglue will soak into the cracks deeper and fill them good in my experience.Use multiple applications to give each time to soak in as deep as it can, then keep adding until the cracks are full.
I would also follow Pappys advice and wrap on both ends of the knot hole.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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... Superglue will soak into the cracks deeper and fill them good in my experience.Use multiple applications to give each time to soak in as deep as it can, then keep adding until the cracks are full.
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In my experience wiping with aceton can support this process.
Yes, good luck with this stave!
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That stave has more than enough character issues to make a brave bowyer pause! Never let good sense or caution get in your way, friend. Get after it!!!
And keep posting progress pics. Some of us can't read and just wanna look at the pretty pictures.
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That is really cool. I hope you can make it work.
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I've had good luck filling voids (not that big though) with "Total Boat" flexible epoxy. I make a little dam around it with clay or play-dough and over fill it, then rasp down and shape as needed.
You could still keep the through hole for character as well. The Total Boat has qualities that makes it grab/adhere into the wood strongly while still having some give - adds strength to the area.
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It looks to me like you have it laid out really well around the knot hole. The grain around it should be good enough to trust.
Like JW said it definitely has loads of challenges, but that knot hole looks like one that’s workable.
Id clean up any loose undependable wood and leave the hole, but I kinda like holes.
Bjrogg