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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Adam Keiper on April 23, 2009, 11:40:00 PM

Title: Side Checks
Post by: Adam Keiper on April 23, 2009, 11:40:00 PM

I'm nearly finished with a 60#, deep cored osage bow.  The upper limb has a 10" long side check that I couldn't get past.  It's not very wide, nor do I think too deep.  Nearing final tiller, I shot superglue into the check.  It has held for the 150 arrow shoot in.  

I've had minor side checks in bows before without issue, but none so long.  Ordinarily, I'd sinew or spiderwire wrap such things, but rather wouldn't on this one.  Has anyone finished a bow with a similar check or have any thoughts on the long term prognosis?

Trying to get a feel whether I should give it the dye job that I want, or leave it barenekkid if I would have to go back and re-superglue / sand.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/SideChecks1a.jpg)

Title: Re: Side Checks
Post by: Pat B on April 24, 2009, 12:29:00 AM

I would fill the crack with super glue and see what she will do. If the crack enlarges put a wrap at each end of the crack.
   You've gone this far, might as well finisher her out!

Title: Re: Side Checks
Post by: DCM on April 24, 2009, 09:05:00 AM

Like a delam, between rings?

Can't see the flaw in the pics.

Trouble is gonna be did glue down in there to the bottom.  I'd figure yer good if you feel like it soaked in.  Generally I'd say delam kinda checks is bad mojo.  But glue is usually stronger than the surrounding wood.

Title: Re: Side Checks
Post by: Art B on April 24, 2009, 01:29:00 PM

Generally those delams cracks go deeper than they appear Adam. It may or may not hold over time by just being glued. I had a bow buckle on the tillering tree a while back because of a delam crack that I did't even know exsisted. It really sucks to have to use a wrap over a skinned bow (?) but better save than sorry. Good luck.

ART B

Title: Re: Side Checks
Post by: John Scifres on April 24, 2009, 02:25:00 PM

Of the 4 or 5 I've tried, every hard shot bow I've made with side checks has failed eventually.  But, that seems to be true of any bow I've made with a flaw.  I'd wrap it but probably keep my expectations low.

Title: Re: Side Checks
Post by: Dano on April 24, 2009, 08:46:00 PM

From my experience,laminar checks, which that appears to be, turn out to be fatal. There just isn't a real good way to control them once they have started.

Title: Re: Side Checks
Post by: George Tsoukalas on April 24, 2009, 08:56:00 PM

I never had one so I can't say how long it would last but I'd be nervous about shooting it so I wouldn't. Jawge

Title: Re: Side Checks
Post by: Adam Keiper on April 25, 2009, 07:39:00 AM

DCM, Yes, parallel to the rings.  It wasn't much initially, but grew during extensive rounds of heat straightening.  Better wrap it to be safe.  Thanks.