Unwrapped my '64 Kodiak

[RLA]

Sorry about your 64, this has me nervous now! I just bought my first vintage bow, 1970 Super K off the bay, should have it soon. Hope yours can be fixed and that I have better luck with mine?

[Whip]

Generally I don't touch delaminations like this.  In this case it is more than just a glue failure - the core wood is broken all the way through one layer.  I know I have read about people who have glued limbs like this back together, but I have just always felt that repairing a serious delamination like this are not worth the risk.  

I've never attempted one.  Might it hold together if it were reglued?  Based on things I have read, maybe it would.  I don't really know.  But you can bet it would be in the back of my mind every time I drew it.  

Plus, putting the time and effort into a repair is just investing more in a bow that has a dubious future.  I'm limited on how many bows I can do each year.  I guess I figure I'm better off spending my time doing a customers bow so that I can make more money so that I can jump on the next big deal I can't walk away from!  

[59Alaskan]

RLA:
My observation has been that instances like Whip's, while dangerous, are rare.  I don't think there are statistics on this, but I have noticed this happens a little more with older bows.  By this I mean I have noticed it happens with newer bows with some level of frequency as well.

I have been very fortunate and have not experienced anything like this yet.  I have thousands of shots that I have taken in a few 50+ year old Bears with no issue.

[d. ward]

I would say personaly that after being wacked on the top of the head about 6 times.I'am a little shakey about doing repairs of that size.Small little delams you could maybe inject some super glue in ? Sure I do not think those are a problem at all.However a massive gapping gash of that size danger danger danger.Getting the bow back in tiller would be problemo two if it don't knock you over the head first.A relimb would be best if you can find someone who or whom is relimbing old bows.Sure sure its all fun and games gay old time real funny until someone losses an eye over it.Joe remember what we say in the real archery sports world JUST DON'T DO IT I love you man bd

[2treks]

DANG JOE!, I feel bad for you buddy. Glad you didn't take a beating FROM the bow.
You and I have talked before about fixing that type of thing. I will quote a notorious fixer of most things related to the real archery sports world,.."JUST DON"T DO IT" I love you too man.
Now you have to go through all that hard work of rooting out another vintage,curvasious thing of beauty.(I am talking bows here people)
Good luck man.


CTT

[Larry m]

On more then one occasion I have visually inspected an old bow and felt it was fine but when strung and pulled had the limb come around and the string come off. I've had bows come apart and smack me fairly hard but never delaminate like that one. I think in the future when buying online I will ask that the bow be strung and pulled. Very unfortunate for you Whip! I guess the best would be to put this one behind and move ahead for the next classic.

[stagetek]

Sorry to hear about that Joe. I think I'd glue it back together, re-finish it and hang it on the wall. It's still a beautiful bow. Just not a shooter !