Say It Isn't So

nlester · September 23, 2011, 08:12:00 AM

I put my 1st coat of Tru-Oil on my selfbow last night. This morning, I sanded it down with OOOO steel wool and applied another coat. When I started applying the next coat on the top limb, I noticed the oil revealed what appeared to be a crack running length wise, I was very upset. I went ahead and finished the rest of the bow and went to re-examine the crack, and it was gone. I looked up and down and did my best to find it again and couldn't see ANYTHING. Did the oil, just reveal the crack, and soaked up in the wood? Has anyone seen this happen? I would've thought I'd been able to see it again if it really was cracked. I'm at a lose. I looked at the back of the bow, and there was nothing showing through either. Any help would be appreciated. I'm just a tad discouraged right now.

PEARL DRUMS · September 23, 2011, 08:34:00 AM

Try turning it in the light slowly. If you seen a crack once, its still there. Osage has a way of hidinbg it when you put Tru Oil on, it has an almost prismatic appearance. Take it outdoors and use natural light to find it. I wouldnt add any more finish until you find and possible fill it.

nlester · September 23, 2011, 08:44:00 AM

Do I fill it with super glue and wrap it? What do you suggest?

PEARL DRUMS · September 23, 2011, 08:49:00 AM

The crack would have to tell you that. If its real shallow CA glue would work great without any wrapping. Let it soak in and fill it again until it wont take anymore glue. Sand it down and shoot it a few hundred times, if it stays shut you can seal her up for good.

Pat B · September 23, 2011, 08:51:00 AM

A lot will depend on the crack. If it runs with the grain and not off the edge of the back it will not hurt anything. You can fill it with super glue to help you feel better about it.
Hold the bow between you and the sun (or other bright light) and the crack will jump out at you.

nlester · September 23, 2011, 09:14:00 AM

When I first saw it this morning, I looked to see if it ran off, and it didn't from what I seen....came close, but I don't believe it ran off. I'm starting to feel a little bit better. Still a bit concerned though. Thanks for all the help!

nlester · September 23, 2011, 10:36:00 AM

Found the crack, no run off, filled it with super glue. Gonna let it dry and sand it off. I think I might put another coat on for safety and then go from there. Thanks for all the help and support everyone! I'm feeling better now!

Jaikarr · September 23, 2011, 10:46:00 AM

Any chance of seeing some pictures of the bow? You've piqued my interest.

nlester · September 23, 2011, 10:49:00 AM

I'll take some tonight and get them posted on here. There are pics on the 1st page of the bow at full draw. I'll take some of the crack too. Piqued is a good word, by the way, and its good to see it spelled right too.