Hophornbeam self bow question

[Dan Landis]

While roughing out a stave today I found 2 holes in the stave approximately 3/8" in dia.  Some type of borer damage I assume.  One is in the handle area and don't think it will cause a problem, the other will fall mid limb.  It does not go the whole way through to the back, probably 1/8" of wood left.  Can this be drilled out and plugged, or would I be wasting my time?

[Rob W.]

Pics would help a bunch. How much width across the back do you have to work with?

[Pat B]

what Rob said.
 Generally problems on the belly aren't as bad as on the back You could probably plug the hole with a piece of dowel or even with super glue and saw dust...but pics will help make that decision.

[PEARL DRUMS]

That happens a lot on HHB. Its likely off shoots that died and are healed over. Is it dark brown colored? Anywho, I would fill it with good super glue and continue on. Fill it as needed to keep it level with glue until your done and sealing the bow.

[George Tsoukalas]

Wood glue and sawdust works too. Jawge

[Dan Landis]

Here's the photos.  Currently is around 1-1/2" wide and about an inch thick.
 
 

[Dan Landis]

The 1st pic is the one that falls mid limb.  the 2nd is in the fade area and most will be gone when I get to final thickness.

[Pat B]

Just saturate them with thin super glue. Fill it in a few different applications so you get a solid fill.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Yup, typical HHB. It part of the attraction for me. It's better than a bleach white bow IMO.

[Dan Landis]

Thanks Pat & Chris for the info.  I've worked with this wood several times before, but they have all blown up on me while shooting them in, all at small knots.  I plan to work very slowly on this one.  Is there any one design that works better than others for this wood.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I think its best as a flat bow, say 1 5/8 wide plus out to mid limb. Temper it into about 2.5" reflex. I've had only one pop a splinter, sadly it was given to a friend! I owe him another bow.

[Dan Landis]

Thanks  Chris, it's roughed out to approximately those dimensions, we'll see what happens.