I just cut the stem area out, I don't split the tubes, and I wrap around the caul, or at least to the caul. I wrap the bow with stretch wrap and this is two fold. It keeps everything where it is supposed to be, and keeps the epoxy off everything, the tubes the caul, any clamps you use, the seat in the truck when I hotbox it. You can also see the glue moving in the jointi wrap one limb both ways making a cross pattern then do the other limb. Make sure if you use a flat backer like a hickory strip lay a piece narrower than the bow down the center, then wrap the tubes, this keeps the backer from cupping if it gets too much edge pressure