Author Topic: Cracks on the back (Read 3956 times)

DirtyDan · « **on:** May 23, 2008, 02:37:11 pm »

Lately I have been having trouble with my osage self bows getting longitudinal cracks on the back after I get them down to one ring and floor tiller them. Is there any way to stop this. I know it does not affect the performance, but it just looks bad.

Dan

Dano · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2008, 02:43:09 pm »

I'd seal the back with shellac, it sounds like the wood is still a little wet.

George Tsoukalas · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2008, 02:46:29 pm »

If there is a long time between chasing the ring and finishing the bow you need to seal the back. Jawge

Eric Krewson · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2008, 04:28:03 pm »

Yep, your wood is a little green or you live in an area with very low relative humidity. Usually seasoned osage is very stable but sometimes will get a few checks on the back. Superglue the checks and they won't be a problem.

Far East Archer · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2008, 08:52:50 am »

Hey guys I didnt want to start a new thread...because this one already has the right topic!

Well, I have some osage that is dried quite well, but when I heat treated it I found the back would make the same cracks described above. Can I seal the back to prevent this or is there some other technique?

Thanks!
Alex

Pappy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 26, 2008, 09:10:56 am »

If the wood is still fairly green it will do that when you heat the belly.If the wood is less than 2/3 years old I always steam first to straighten and put in reflex then use the heat gun and yes I seal the back.

I am taking about Osage.Hickory and most white wood aren't as bad but I still seal
them.
Pappy

Far East Archer · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2008, 09:13:58 am »

Thanks Pappy!

I'll try that out today, will polyurethane work?

Alex

Pappy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 26, 2008, 09:19:53 am »

Ya that is what I use most of the time.

Pappy

Far East Archer · « **Reply #8 on:** June 26, 2008, 09:24:00 am »

Great!
Thanks again, really a life saver haha

Alex

DCM · « **Reply #9 on:** June 26, 2008, 11:29:53 am »

It may help to remember wood will acclimate to whatever the humidity level is at the time. So a stave seasoned down to 6% moisture content in winter can gain back up to 10% or more in the summer. Not a heck of a lot more, but enough that very rapid drying of a thicker area can still cause drying checks, ie. the "cracks" being discussed.

Primitive Archer