Stress Crack Cause?

[Drewster]

What causes stress cracks in fiberglass/wood bows?  I assume it's because the wood picks up moisture, expands and cracks the fiberglass.....since the fiberglass can't expand at the same rate as wood.  I want to take good care of my bows and make sure they don't suffer this problem.  Any info on preventing this problem would be appreciated.

Also, can or should stress cracks be repaired?  Seems like a better quality finish would help.

Thanks,

Drew

[kennym]

If you mean the little cracks across the limbs at the fades(usually) , it prob is the old finish...

[Drewster]

I'm asking about the vertical stress cracks that run with the length of the limbs.  Thanks.

[kennym]

Ah, different animal than I was talking about.

I know of no way of fixing that, and only prevention is sealing all wood surfaces well, moisture wont go thru good glass.

[heartlandbowyer]

I've seen it in some of the older Bear bows I believe it's because glass then was not of the same quality as now but I could be wrong.

[tuscarawasbowman]

Originally posted by heartlandbowyer:
I've seen it in some of the older Bear bows I believe it's because glass then was not of the same quality as now but I could be wrong.

Yep. Best thing you can do is seal with loctite (superglue) and refinish. After so many shots though they are going to show again.
 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=005999#000000

[JamesV]

Originally posted by heartlandbowyer:
I've seen it in some of the older Bear bows I believe it's because glass then was not of the same quality as now but I could be wrong.

I would think the quality of glass back in the day was better than today. Before I use a piece of clear glass , I check it out for streaks and on all glass I measure the thickness of each piece. Everything else we buy today is made cheaper for more money why not glass?

[heartlandbowyer]

Pretty interesting history of Gordon's glass on their site. I wonder if Bear had issues with the glass when Browning took over?
James, I agree with ya on the fact that quality of a lot of stuff isn't what it used to be. I sure would think after 50 plus years in the glass business the process would be more refined and of better quality, but what do I know. I just buy the stuff I don't make it.