Stress cracks on a Kodiak Mag

[Doug_K]

Hey all, could use some advice. Picked up an old Kodiak Magnum at a yard sale. Before attempting to string it, i'd like to address some light stress cracks in the limbs (see pics). I can just barely catch them with a fingernail.

I've sealed minor cracks in non-working areas with superglue and refinished with tru-oil in the past, would this work mid limb as well?

 
 
 

[Blackhawk]

Is that a '61 KM?  That avocado color glass looks familiar.  BTW, first year for the KM.

To answer your stress line question, yes.  I've done a few by taping off the area around the cracks to prevent runs, then apply the glue, let dry, then sand, and then finish.  

Once or twice, I've had those unsightly lines disappear, but don't count on it.  But you will have a bow safe to shoot for many more years.

[Doug_K]

Everything I can see indicates first year, yes. It seems to be in very good shape other than the stress & a few dings. Surprisingly no twist that I can detect yet, we'll find out for sure when it's strung.

Whats the best clear coat to use on bows? Not sure how flexible tru-oil is when cured    

[Phil Magistro]

Tru Oil will work just fine.

[Captain*Kirk]

Tru Oil is quite flexible and probably the best thing you could use in your situation.

[Doug_K]

Great, thanks guys.

[damascusdave]

Part of the character of those old bows...I have a pair of 1960 Kodiaks that look far worse than that, both belly and back...I shoot them without regard to the appearance and they perform just great since that is purely a cosmetic issue...I would never think of trying to "fix" them

DDave

[Doug_K]

They are only a cosmetic issue? I was assuming it would affect the integrity of the limb, or if not that, allow moisture in.

If that's not the case, I may just leave it as is.

[damascusdave]

They are generally only in the finish...Bear bows of that era are well known for stress lines (which are not necessarily cracks)in the finish...from the pics yours do not look too serious...remember for moisture to get to the cores a crack would have to go all the way through the glass which is not too likely

DDave

[warpedarrow]

What I have found is late fifties and early sixties bows are cracked in the glass.  Later sixties bows have checked cracking in the finish.  Either way, the finish is cracked so don't take the bow outside in rainy weather.  As has been said earlier, the bow is fine to shoot, so enjoy.  Just remember, the bow's protection is compromised.  Your bow is not exactly collector material so "fixing" the cracks is not a great sin.

[Doug_K]

Well, decided to leave it be for now. Twisted up a string for it, and put about 100 arrows through it tonight. Nothing abnormal, very smooth, very quiet. Much more so than my other KM ('69).

Turns out, the bottom limb has a slight twist, but it sure doesn't seem to affect how well it shoots.

 

[Phil Magistro]

Many times those vertical cracks go through the glass.  They can be filled with LocTite and painted or covered in other ways but there's a better than even chance they will return.  I have never had a problem with them or heard of anyone having a problem.  They look bad but do not effect the integrity of the bow.