Harvested some white oak about 2 weeks ago, debarked and sealed ends. wound up with 4 staves and noticed 2 of the 4 are splitting from the ends in.
The longest split is about 8" in to the stave. Should I have sealed the back as well. I thought white wood only needed ends sealed.

At this point should I try to fill in splits with wood glue? Any advice on how to stop the splitting would be greatly appreciated. Should I seal backs as well at this point?

RTH, if they are very big in diameter, I'd split'em along the checks, if possible, and seal the backs.

I don't usually seal the back of whitewoods but yes go ahead. What are you using for sealing? Jawge

Titebond III

wow thats costly instead try elmers glue

Use a poly acrylic or poly urethane. Don't put glues on the back. To tough to remove. When I've had to seal the back like in osage I get the back all sanded and perfect and then seal with the same sealer I'd be using for the whole bow.  I'd stain (if you are planning to stain the bow) and seal the back. Jawge

I like that idea of staining before sealing the back.

I you debarked it you have to seal it. With oak and some other white woods you can get checkering splits on the belly also. SEAL THE WHOLE BOW WHEN EVER YOU HAVE ANY DOUTS.

Whitewoods in my opnion will often split out the ends no matter how many sides you seal or what you use. Cut them very long and go from there. My whitey staves are all at least 80-90" long. I dont seal anymore because it wasnt helping much and costing too much with the amount of staves I collect and go through. Osage and locust has bark on until I use them and I SOMETIMES seal the ends if the stave is below 70" long.