Heard a crack while floor tillering a Red Oak board

[GentlemanArcher]

Question for some folks with some experience with red oak boards.  

I got the sides tapered on a 72" red oak board.  Then was working the belly taper.  I was bending it on the floor and heard a crack.  I can't find any damage, but I definitely heard it.  Do I scrape it and start a new board? Or is a crack or two "normal"?

Thanks
Philip

[PEARL DRUMS]

You will find it later I bet. I have never heard a bow crack that meant nothing. It always rears its ugly head 4-5 labor hours later. Try another, or look ahrder for the crack and salvage what you have.

[GentlemanArcher]

yep..that's what I was thinking.

I did find out today that I'm getting a band saw for xmas. (My wife is awesome!)  That should make the initial tapering of the next bow much much quicker!

Kia Kaha

[PEARL DRUMS]

A bandsaw means stave bows! Look at your edges good, odds are you will find a hair line crack. Try sanding it smooth, then wiping a wet rag over it to make it show up better.

[nlester]

I remember PD saying over on PA that Red Oak is a prime candidate for breaking, and you here more stories about them breaking than any other wood....I know my 1st Red Oak went snap.  That's not to say it won't make a nice bow.  It just seems prone to mishaps and very intolerant and unforgiving.  Congrats on the band saw.  What a great gift!  Your wife and mine need to talk.

[George Tsoukalas]

My site will help you choose a straight grained board which is a must for board bows. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[razorback]

sand it nice and smooth with 120 grit. The try putting a long string on it and bending it on a tiller stick gently. Then run a cotton ball over it. It will catch on any problem areas.

Though, as Drum said, a cracking sound is never good and oak is cheap enough that taking a risk is not worth it. Especially early in the process. Be safe.

[George Tsoukalas]

Don't take chances. Get another board. Straight grained. Jawge

[GentlemanArcher]

Yep and agreed.  I'll use this board as practice on the saw.  I'll figure I can retaper the limbs and also practice roughing out the handle.  

Thanks for the input everyone,
Philip