3-pce recurves more vulnerable for limb cracks?

[Flying Dutchman]

Just curious, are three piece recurves with limb bolts more vulnerable for stress cracks in the limbs then one pce designs?

Can stress cracks be caused by custom antler limb bolts?
The backside of my antler limb bolts are not connecting perfectly to the limbs, because they are not straight at the backside. The backside is a bit convex. But I use metal washers and nylon washers, the nylon washers are on the limbs, followed by the metal washers. So the metal washer is between the nylon washer and the limb bolt. I turn the knobs who press the washers parallel to the limbs. I just use normal pressure, not over tightening but also not weak.

The cracks does not appear in the bolt area, but appr. 4 inch further away, in the area where the riser ends.

[Jake Fr]

I sounds like its in your mid limb kinda i would contact the bowyer and ask him more questions about it i wouldnt think a 3 peice would differ that much from a one peice

[damascusdave]

The only limbs that would be subject to stress cracks would be limbs that had issues right from the time they were made...that happens with all sorts of bows, old, new, one piece, 3 piece, longbow and recurve...that is why bow makers offer warranty

DDave

[Flying Dutchman]

Bowlers mostly don't give any warranty on cracks caused by the imperfections of Gordon's glass. Some have it even mentioned on their website.

[Danny Rowan]

Ad,

Post a picture of what you are talking about, are you sure it is a crack and not just a streak in the glass?

[Flying Dutchman]

I am sure it ARE cracks... but I will discuss it with the bowyer first and send him pics. It is none of the bows  I mention in my signature here. I discussed it with the bowyer concerned already, but did not send him any pics yet. He stated it are just the normal Gordon's glass imperfections and as long the cracks are parallel with the limbs it is only cosmetic.
But.... They seem to multiply and grow on both limbs and on both sides.
Tomorrow I will shoot that bow again, probably somthing like 200 arra's.
then I will compare with the pics I made yesterday to see if the multiply and grow. I will send the pics to the bowyer. I know he is a stand-up guys who gives a great service. It might be possible that we talk about diifferent things. I feel confident it will be solved.
But I hate it when that happens with an expensive bow were I had to save my good money for....

[Roadkill]

Dutch, we all feel your concern and pain.  My bow is an investment in my happiness and relaxation.  I "need" it to shoot almost daily.  Hopefully a solution will arrive soon.

[arrowlauncherdj]

I dont think 3 pc are more subject to limb cracks over a 1 pc, but riser fails, yes. Too bad bout your bow.

Dave

[Doc Nock]

Several bowyers I got to know over the years told me that stress cracks in clear glass are a given.

Antler bolts have to fit perfectly flush and I'm told that cranking down too hard is a no-no.

Hang in there Ad!

[yaderehey]

I've sure seen a bunch of 3 pc. recurves and longbows with vertical cracks in the glass around the bolt holes.  As mentioned usually from over tightening limb bolts or else excess moisture getting to the limb wedges causing the limb wedge wood to swell and the glass to crack.  In my experience the cracks usually don't grow very much or cause problems if you try to avoid further over tightening and avoid excess moisture.

[Flying Dutchman]

Okay guys,
I am happy now. I sended some pics to the bowyer and this is his answer, problem solved:

"Yup, typical expansion cracks.......not even remotely anything to worry about structurally. These do nothing to weaken the bow in any way.......nor will they impede any performance.
 
these can happen in a variety of ways. one way I have personally seen is if the bow is many degrees cooler than the outside and then is immediately taken outside and shot in really warm weather. the hard wood and the glass expand at different rates and since this is right near a flex area...the glass loses being the crappy quality that it is!
 Where these usually will happen is within the streaks.  
 
I may be able to grind off and put new extended overlays over these check marks but we would want to schedule a time that you are not using the bow so much"