Is this bow junk or not?

[bmfer]

The landowner where I hunt knows I'm into trad and one day he gave me this bow that he found in his attic. Said he and his boys didn't want it. It has a bunch of cracks in the belly and back as seen here:




It's a shame 'cause it's an old 35# Indian. It's got a shelf on both sides. I can hardly get my oldest daughter to shoot her brand new Mathews( she says trad bows are too hard) and my youngest just don't like any bow. Anyway, now I'd like to do a kids give-away, but I don't want to give-away firewood. Can any of you bowyers out there tell me if it can be repaired?

[longstick]

Im not a bowyer but it looks superficial to me..I bet a little sanding and respray would do the trick..wouldnt put too much draw on it at first and see how she do. Work your way into full draw a shot at a time

[vermonster13]

Hard to tell from your pics but I would think it is more likely finish hazing than cracks and the bow should be fine.

[akbowbender]

Sent pm.

[Shaun]

Looks OK to me. Cracks running towards the tips are not usually a problem.

[Crooked Stic]

I would say its a keeper if you just hung it up.

[Bjorn]

Not junk at all. Those expansion lines are very common in older bows, and that one is about 50. The wood expands and contracts under the glass and forces a separation. It can happen whether the bow is used or not.

[bmfer]

Ok guys, thanks for all of your input. I guess I'll get a string made for it and see if it's safe to shoot, then have a give away.

[highcountry]

Try Rich at  http://www.droptinetraditions.com/php/  

He is great at restoring old bows.