Crack in Riser

[Trenton G.]

Hey guys,
I purchased this used blacktail recurve a while back, and while changing the shelf material the other day, I noticed a crack that seemed to run through the shelf, following the accent stripe. It also extends down the riser about 3/4 of an inch. It is so small that I initially thought that it was just a scratch until I removed the hair rest and saw that it continued. I've thought about trying to get some thin glue down in there, but I have a feeling that it would have to be almost water in order to get down in since the crack is pretty tight. I've attached some pictures, and would appreciate any feedback. I'd love to keep shooting the bow, and had initially got it for an elk hunt this fall, but I'd also prefer to not get cracked between the eyes either. Thanks for the help!

Not sure why the bottom photo is rotated, but the crack runs along the red accent stripe.

[dbeaver]

theres super thin CA glue and you can get these micro tips for them. If you were comfortable drilling a TINY hole just big enough to fit the micro tip in 1/16" so you can get the glue to pull into the split better.  Looks like a glue failure not a crack and without cleaning the surface im not sure how much adhesion the CA will give but it will fill the void a bit.  Id drill the hole under the hair rest so you wont see it when youre done.   If using super thin glue on a finished bow i recommend taping the entire thing because it is a pita if the glue drips or runs onto finished wood or fiberglass

[Kirkll]

theres super thin CA glue and you can get these micro tips for them. If you were comfortable drilling a TINY hole just big enough to fit the micro tip in 1/16" so you can get the glue to pull into the split better.  Looks like a glue failure not a crack and without cleaning the surface im not sure how much adhesion the CA will give but it will fill the void a bit.  Id drill the hole under the hair rest so you wont see it when youre done.   If using super thin glue on a finished bow i recommend taping the entire thing because it is a pita if the glue drips or runs onto finished wood or fiberglass

2X on this post.... that thin super glue will wick very deep, and most likely do the trick . but be prepared to refinish the riser. that stuff is as thin as water and goes everywhere real quick. i would tape the side and apply the glue from the shelf after sanding it down. just keep appyling it until it puddles on the shelf.

blow it out real good using air pressure first, then use a heat gun to make sure any moisture from the compressed air is dried out completely.... Even with a water trap compressed air has a lot of moisture in it. That is good to remember if you use an air hose to blow off dust on any raw wood. always follow up with a heat gun.    .02 cents...  Kirk

[Trenton G.]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll drill a small hole and see how much glue I'm able to get down in there. We've got a bunch of small syringes at work, so maybe I'll try and use one of those.

[Kirkll]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll drill a small hole and see how much glue I'm able to get down in there. We've got a bunch of small syringes at work, so maybe I'll try and use one of those.

Actually…. I don’t think drilling a hole or using a syringe would be the best way to go. You might introduce more contamination or dust particles into the crack than it has now……Trust me…. That thin super glue will do the job just fine.

One other thing that may help is after you have filled the crack until it doesn’t take any more, use a rubber jawed clamp,  and put a wee bit of pressure squeezing it back together. The let it set awhile.  Kirk

[Trenton G.]

Thanks for the help, I'll give that a try and see how it works!