Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DC on March 07, 2015, 08:46:45 pm
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I just noticed these cracks on this OS. I think they are from heating the limb to match the reflex of the other limb. It surprises me because I was confident that it was dry. It has been in a warm box at 65 degrees and 50%Rh for 3 months and has been at equilibrium(lost no weight) for 2 months. It was collected last spring. Anyway do you think they are fatal? I'm not too concerned with the one down the middle of the back although it is 14" long. The other is about 6" long and is right on the corner of the back and the side about 8" in from the tip. You can just make it out in the picture. The crack must head towards the center as it doesn't come out on the side at all. I've CA'd them.
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Maybe not fatal, but they sure affect how it'll bend. They probably only go to the pith.
Oceanspray is never dry It seems. I've given up on speed curing. 1 yr min.
The stuff is an enigma.
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Those are what I call wind checks. Where you hurryed the heating made the woods mositure excaped faster that the other parts of the wood. Once a check starts the excaping moisture keeps it going untill theres no more mosisture.
You'll also get those with age.
I've been working on a osage snake bow. The stave I've had for 22,23 years. It has some bad checks that go all the ways through in places.
I just reread your post. I've never worked with OCEAN SPRAY but all the white woods Iknow. If those are all the way through and you can see them in the bows back. It's likely done if you can't work around the checks. You might back it.
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There is no pith on either limb, I've tillered past it. I've marked the ends of the cracks and will keep on tillering for a bit. I don't have it on the short string yet so it's still got a lot of bending to do. If they grow past my marks I'll scrap it. At least that limb. I can splice another on.
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OS experts? I dont think there are any. Maybe James Rempp
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How about OS enthusiasts :D :D
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No OS expert I've built one but on advice i was told let it sit two years and i left mine three and i think it was about dry then and i have 115 deg summers
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I am no guru, only 3 OS bows under my belt. did you dry them in full stick form?
I've had the best luck with removing belly wood, and crossing my fingers.
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If probably throw some glue in there and press on, keep track of how long the checks are, but it's pretty tough stuff
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I am no guru, only 3 OS bows under my belt. did you dry them in full stick form?
I've had the best luck with removing belly wood, and crossing my fingers.
I cut them into a rough bow form. I cut the limbs to the pith and leave the handles full size except for a saw kerf through the belly of the handle down to the pith. SteveB's idea. If they are cut to the pith and seasoned in our climate(wet) they don't seem to check. They always seem to be susceptible to RH changes.