cracked belly lam

[Kevin A.]

First off let me say I do not have pictures of my problem and will not have access to the bow for 3 weeks.
I have made a Tri-Lam red oak / maple (Maple core, Red Oak back and belly)
I have a crack in my belly lam at the bottom of my fade, just on one limb. It is a very fine crack in fact if the bow is unstrung it is hard to see. The belly lam is 1/8 thick and sanded thinner at the fade.
Can this be fixed and if so how?
I hope I have posted enough imformation. If not please let me know.

[Pat B]

Does the crack follow the grain or is it across the limb?

[Kevin A.]

Sorry, I forgot that.

It goes across the grain

[Pat B]

Sounds like a fret(chrysal, compression fracture) which is common in the fade area with relative new bowyers. Too much bend in that area(hinge) is what probably caused the fret.

[Kevin A.]

Thanks Pat B
You are right I am new at bow building this is my 3rd bow.
As far a hinge, I didn't see one. The short time I had it on the tillering tree it looked good. Stiff from mid lim out,both lims looked even.
What is the best way to fix a fret?
Grind off the belly and reglue another one?Change the fades?

[Pat B]

It depends on how deep the fret is. If it is relatively shallow you can grind the belly down below the fret and overlay another belly lam. I have successfully done this on a few bows.   Also, depending on what glue you used you might be able to break the bond between the back and belly and add a more appropriate belly lam, one that is stronger in compression. If you used TB glue it will release at 150deg(F). I have done this a few times with hickory backings when the belly fretted or hinges badly.
  Pics would be a big help. I'd like to see an unbraced and braced profile as well as a full draw if possible. You probably won't hurt the bow anymore with one more full draw.

[Kevin A.]

The fret looked as if it went all the way through the belly lam.
And as for glue I used Urac 185.
I should have taken some pictures but I was running short on time and didn't have my camera.
I should look for a wood that has better compression for a belly lam?

[Pat B]

Yes, woods like osage, ipe or yew are all strong in compression.
  Since you used Urac you will probably have to grind the belly off or possible saw most of the belly off and grind the rest.

[Kevin A.]

I was thinking, could I leave the cracked belly lam (and the not cracked lam) on and glue over that a glass lam.
The short time I had it on the short string I thought it was light in weight.
Or something way wild wrap rawhide over the area.
Would any of that work?

[Pat B]

It won't last with the fret in it. Adding a glass back will stress out another area.
  Set this bow aside and start another. After you become more familiar with bow building you will figure out how to fix it.

[Kevin A.]

OK thank you Pat B.
Just when you think you get wood figured out you see you don't.

Kevin

[n8-mac]

Kevin check out my post "crack.. I think" these guys addressed the same issue with me and i have picks up that you can check out see if its simmilar to what you have going on it sonds like the same thing but like you i am new to making bows...