Uh-oh, now what do I do?

[shawnee]

Ok guys, I need some advice.  I'm just finishing up an osage bow....65 1/2" ntn, pulling about 57 pounds at 28".  I made the belly rounded, instead of flat.  Had it pretty much done, but the top limb was still just a hair stiff coming right out of the fades.  I scraped just a little off, and was working it out on the tiller tree.  I have been drawing it out to 30" on the tree, and everything was looking good.

After I worked it out that last time, I decided to check  the weight again, so I attached my scale to the pulley rope.  Now comes the "uh-oh" part.  As I was pulling it to check the weight, I overdrew it to about 31".  You can guess what happened next....POP.  Lifted a splinter of wood up on the top limb, starting just above the fade, and going up the limb, right on the edge of the bow.  The splinter is about 2 1/2" long, and almost a 1/4" wide at it's widest.

I superglued and clamped it back down yesterday, and today sanded everything back down smooth.  The glue joint is visible, but looks sound.  My question is, do I need to do anything else before I try to pull it again, or do you all think it will be OK?  I know I can wrap the spot with sinew, but will it be necessary?  I am hoping to hunt with this one this year, but I don't want to blow it up by getting in too much of a hurry.  It's my first full sized bow that I have built completely by myself, without any help.

Sorry, but I don't have any pics.  I could probably post some tomorrow, but don't have access to my camera right now.  Sure could use some advice though, and hopefully some encouraging news.

[JEFF B]

i am a newbie as well but if it were me i would wrap it with sinew to be on the safe side.  

[Dano]

Clint, just as Jeff said, I would do a sinew wrap, I don't thin just the super glue will hold it. You can use Tite Bond with the sinew. We gotta have pictures of your first bow buddy!!

[shawnee]

Thanks for the responses.

Hi Dano.  I was hoping you would catch this.  Sounds like I'm gonna be doing a sinew wrap.  Do I need to do both limbs?  Or just adjust my tiller after I do the one?

I'll definitely post some pics after I get it done.  Sure would like to get it done in time to hunt with it some this year.

[Bjorn]

You need to over-do this repair or it's gonna' be kindling-there is no need to wrap the lower limb unless you want a visual balance-good luck.

[Bjorn]

Sounds like you pulled it too far before it was ready. I would also back the whole bow with rawhide or sinew if your draw is as long as you have been pulling the bow.

[shawnee]

I don't think it was a case of pulling it before it was ready, just didn't mean to give it that last inch or so.  After I hooked the scale to the pulley and rope, I wrapped the extra rope around my hand a time or two, because I had a wall behind me.  Just pulled it farther than I should have.

My draw with selfbows is about 28".  I had been consistently working this bow to 30" on the tiller tree, just for good measure.  I figured it was long enough to take it.

Anyways, just gotta get it fixed if I can.

Thanks for all the help.

[Pat B]

I would wrap it also. Right at the beginning of the splinter for 1/2" or so should be enough to keep that splinter down. After it cures you can set the patch in super glue or TBIII to seal it. You shouldn't have to mess with the tiller with a simple sinew wrap but checking tiller after the repair has cured wouldn't be a bad idea.
   I think I'd check out the back real good to be sure there are no nicks that could have caused this. Scraper work or a bit heavy with the draw knife could leave slight nicks that could result in splinters...or it could be JUST CAUSE!  Wood bows like to mess with you some times just to be sure you are paying attention.      Pat

[Dano]

Clint you've got good advice for sure. You should be able to hunt with this bow, it won't take but a few days for the sinew wrap to dry before sealing. Are you going to use Tru-oil for the finish?

[shawnee]

Yes, I will definitely use Tru-oil.  That was one of my questions...how long will the sinew wrap need to cure before applying the Tru-oil.

I'm going to try and get it wrapped tonite when I get home.  

Another question on the wrap...do I just wet the sinew and apply it without any glue and let it dry, or do I need to glue it as it is applied?

MAN!  I still gotta lot to learn!

[Pat B]

What I do for sinew wraps is chew the sinew until soft then apply. Your saliva and the natural glues in the sinew will glue down the sinew just fine. Once cured the glue sealer will complete the bond.
If you don't like the idea of chewing the sinew(which many don't) mix up a bit of Knox gelatin(or hide glue if you have it), soak your sinew in warm water to soften it, remove any excess water(wrap in paper towel) Dip in the Knox and make your wrap. You don't want too much glue on the sinew; just enough to glue it down.
   Depending on the weather and R/H the sinew should be dry in a couple of days.   Pat

[shawnee]

Thanks Pat.  I don't mind chewing it...that's how I wrap my points when I mount them too.  Sounds easy enough.  I'll give it a try tonite, and maybe post some pictures tomorrow.

Thanks for all the help guys.

[Pat B]

Good luck with your bow and season. The fix should work with no problems.
   I did a few sinew decorative wraps on a kids bow I'm making. They were dry in 2 days and it has been raining or overcast for the last 5 or 6 days here. If you are in AC it will dry quicker.   Pat

[rainman]

You could also wrap it with serving materieal and seal with super glue I have done this and you can choose to make a colorful wrap if you waqnt.

Dan

[Eric Krewson]

I done it both ways, sinew and serving thread soaked in superglue, the thread is neater.

 

 

[shawnee]

Thanks for the pictures, Eric.  I thought about the serving thread, but I like the looks of the sinew better, so that' what I used.  It's drying now, and I will put a litte Titebond III to help waterproof it.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help.

[Roy Steele]

Numbre 1 rule never pull past your intented draw weight or draw leanth.Your putting excess stress on your limbs. You'll end up with unwanted string follow.Or in your case a splinter. If your not going to back your bow.Then your patch will do.