I'm working on my first bamboo backed hickory bow and while tillering it (I was almost to the draw length required), a small section of the bamboo splintered  :(  .  I superglued it back down and have ordered some sinew to wrap the area.  Is this a good fix or any better ideas?  Also, does this happen much, could it possibly be just a bad place in the bamboo or could I have possibly rushed it in the tillering process?

Thanks for your help.

Super glue and a wrap is about your only recourse but there are quite a few BB bows out there with wraps on them. I have used sinew but also silk thread set in glue with good results. You may want to add another wrap on the other limb for symmetry but it is not necessary.   You will probably have a stiff spot in that area but it should be OK. Pat

Had you finished the back any yet?  I always smooth everything out before I start drawing it.  I've never seen a splinter.

A section about 1/2" wide x 2" lg splintered in the middle of the bamboo about mid-limb.  It just seemed to be the top surface of the bamboo.  I already superglued it down.  I have flexed it much, but seems to hold with a little flexing.  I plan on using Titebond III to glue the sinew wraps.

Randy,

What kind of bamboo are you using.  Some bamboo is prone to splinter like that if you create a hinge in the bow while tillering and put too much stress on it.

Mike

I bought a kit from Rudderbows that had the tapered bamboo backing and tapered hickory core.  I'll have to watch that next one I make while tillering it.  Like I said, this is my first one, so any advice will be helpful.  It did look like it was bending evenly and I did not notice a hinge.  This one has been a learning experience, but unfortunately I am building it for a friends son.

Contact Rudderbow and see what their advice is.   Pat

Thanks all for the advice.  I did contact Rudderbows.  I'll let you know what they say.