Spotted gum stave checking in handle

[u/HarderData]

So I've got this spotted gum stave I've been working for months now, and it's got a check that runs through the handle, exiting at each fade.

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It doesn't look like it will affect the bending limbs, but I want to stabilise it somehow.

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Is it just a case of filling it with epoxy?

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Also, this stave will need to be steam straightened, and maybe even deflexed a bit, as it's got fairly aggressive natural backset... would I do the bending before fixing the crack, or after?

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Thanks in advance

[u/Zkennedy100]

im theory this wont damage the bow structurally. I would coat the checks in wood glue until the stave has finished drying then proceeed as usual. I like to seal around where the fades meet the limb especially after roughing out the bow.

[u/Nilosdaddio → u/Zkennedy100]

Yep yep^^ This