Patching a crack

[Venger]

I just completed my first white oak self flatbow. She turned out a bit weaker than I hoped, but as I wasn't shooting for any particular draw weight, instead opting to actually complete the thing (my first three attempts failing) I am over all happy with the results. She is 62" long and 15# @ 28". I wrappped the  handle (temporarily) in some old hemp cordage for comfort and better handle sizing. The stave was just a tad thin for the planned handle thickness, and as I am currently ignorant in adding a back handle piece so I didn't attempt it. Will be researching that topic soon.

My question however lies in the upper limb, just under half way. I was taking a few pics of the thing, and drawing it back to draw length I heard that most abhorred and sickening sound of wood splintering. Fortunately is is only a crack and the limb still intact, which is why i even considered trying to patch it. Of course the presence of a knot is why the crack first occurred, so I am not much surprised by its happening. I have heard of bows being patched in circumstances like this with pine pitch and sinew, wrapped generously around the crack. Having no prior experience in this matter, I decided to come and ask the experts before I even began this repair job. And if pine pitch and sinew is not a good idea, what are some more ways to fix my problem? I plan, and am currently researching backing my bow with sinew. Will just backing it be enough, without the pine pitch patch?

Thanks in advance for your help guys.

[Pat B]

Not pine pitch. Hide glue!
Do you have pics of the crack?

[Venger]

I do have one, but it is bad quality. I'll get more of course, but won't be able to do it tonight. The crack though is most evident in the curve of the limb, it bends far more so there then any where else.

I'll get pics of both the bow and the crack up tomorrow as soon as I can.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Start another bow and hang that one on the wall. You cant get correct arrows for a 15# @ 28" bow anywho.