While roughing out a stave today I found 2 holes in the stave approximately 3/8" in dia. Some type of borer damage I assume. One is in the handle area and don't think it will cause a problem, the other will fall mid limb. It does not go the whole way through to the back, probably 1/8" of wood left. Can this be drilled out and plugged, or would I be wasting my time?
Pics would help a bunch. How much width across the back do you have to work with?
what Rob said.
Generally problems on the belly aren't as bad as on the back You could probably plug the hole with a piece of dowel or even with super glue and saw dust...but pics will help make that decision.
That happens a lot on HHB. Its likely off shoots that died and are healed over. Is it dark brown colored? Anywho, I would fill it with good super glue and continue on. Fill it as needed to keep it level with glue until your done and sealing the bow.
Wood glue and sawdust works too. Jawge
Here's the photos. Currently is around 1-1/2" wide and about an inch thick.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/DanLandis/P1251144.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/DanLandis/media/P1251144.jpg.html)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/DanLandis/P1251145.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/DanLandis/media/P1251145.jpg.html)
The 1st pic is the one that falls mid limb. the 2nd is in the fade area and most will be gone when I get to final thickness.
Just saturate them with thin super glue. Fill it in a few different applications so you get a solid fill.
Yup, typical HHB. It part of the attraction for me. It's better than a bleach white bow IMO.
Thanks Pat & Chris for the info. I've worked with this wood several times before, but they have all blown up on me while shooting them in, all at small knots. I plan to work very slowly on this one. Is there any one design that works better than others for this wood.
I think its best as a flat bow, say 1 5/8 wide plus out to mid limb. Temper it into about 2.5" reflex. I've had only one pop a splinter, sadly it was given to a friend! I owe him another bow.
Thanks Chris, it's roughed out to approximately those dimensions, we'll see what happens.