Inherited Recurve Restoration

[d65vid]

So I just inherited a recurve bow. It says Signal Predator 7888 on it and the numbers say that it is 45# at a 28" draw. I'm told it's around 50 or so years old, but I don't really know all that much about its actual history.

The thing is pretty, but it appears to have some small damage to the wood on one of the lamination layers. It is a little short for my own use, but it is just about perfect for my wife so I would love to restore it so she can use it. Here is a photo of the damage:

     

The damage appears to be missing wood as opposed to just split or de-laminated. Honestly, it looks to me sort of like termite damage, believe it or not. So:

1) Is there an easy way to fix this?
2) Is there a hard way to fix this?
3) Did I just become the proud owner of a pretty wall-hanging?

[bornofmud]

Well, atleast they stayed within the riser section haha.  It's probably done, but what you can try is getting some thin CA glue and fill up the gap.  Still wouldn't feel great shooting it though haha.

[d65vid]

"glue it back together and hope for the best" doesn't exactly instill in me the highest amount of confidence, haha.

[JamesV]

Just to make a shooter I would use high pressure air to blow the trash out of the crack then tape one side to keep the glue from running out and pour it full of heated smooth-on. Use an old hacksaw blade or a piece of thin metal to work the glue in and completely fill the crack. If you tape down the crack on both sides it will save you a lot of clean-up after the repair is finished.

James

[jsweka]

My opinion - It's done for.  Don't risk it breaking while shooting.

[LittleBen]

Originally posted by jsweka:
My opinion - It's done for.  Don't risk it breaking while shooting.

X2.

Likely your Emergency room co-pay is more than the cost of buying a comparable bow in working condition. Don't risk injury.