Flat bow busted methinks?

[hooktonboy]

Hi,

Strung up the flatbow this morning and have spotted what looks like a split running vertically from the shelf up the core for about three inches. Very fine but now I can see it even when unstrung . This is a Ragim Little Hawk. I've had the bow four months, shot four rounds with it. Not impressed one bit! Its well looked after - cloth bag, cool place etc.
Anyone else had this problem?
Failing that, sympathy would be welcomed !!

S

[gino]

aw man that's a bummer. My bow recently started splitting along the laminations but the bowyer says he can fix it so it's in for repairs at the moment. To make up for that and to cheer myself up I bought a new bow. Try it, it helps!

[Windknot]

I had a Tamars (ie. Ragim) Foredor delaminate at full draw- that was fun! If the bow was bought new it is still under warranty- Ragim guarantee their bows for three years.

Any chance you can post pics of the crack?

[Macbow]

That's unlucky - I would try the warranty first as Windknot suggested and get a replacement. Even the best manufacturers can get faulty product every so often and Ragim have a solid reputation.
I had a flatbow delam between the riser and the first lamination on the back of the bow - the previous owner used superlight arrows which I reckon contributed to it. I noticed the damage only because there was a slight vibration and noise when I shot it as the crack only showed when the bow was drawn - three inches long and wide enough to slide a credit card through. I pulled the bow till the crack was at its biggest and filled the gap with superglue and clamped it together overnight. I used the same credit card to order a new bow and sold my old one very cheaply to a guy on the understanding that it was broken. That bow is still shooting hard and well two years on with no signs of coming apart. I was later told there are better glues that I could have used.
Obviously a new bow is the preferred option but chances are it could be repaired. If neither is possible may I suggest you give Andy Soars at Blackbrook a call - his details are on my homepage. He is a very fine bowyer and a superb archer. The Zeta is a truly excellent bow at a very fair price.

[hooktonboy]

Thanks for the advice (and sympathy - at least I get it in the forum, whereas at home my moaning only gets "so you might be at home this Sunday?" - I don't think sooo - two other bow to choose from yet!)

I think I'll try the warranty first on this one, its actually a crack in the walnut core rather than a delam. I'ts pretty thin and you'd have to know where to look when the bows unstrung - bit more obvious with the string on it though! I don't think my camera skills are up to a good photo but I'll have a bash later.

As for the Zeta - seen one, want one (perhaps I'll go for the cheer myself up route yet!)

Steve

[Wrexham Exile]

my my steve you are becoming a dab hand at all types of bow..

sorry ot hear about the flatbow and hope you get it sorted ok

[Windknot]

Hookton,

I've repaired a crack in a riser just like the one you've described- I ran some of the thinnest CA glue I could get (try the local hobby/ model shop) into the crack, flexed it a bit to help the glue wick into the wood, and let it cure in its own good time. Finished it off with steel wool.

It's a year later, and the bow is still in one piece.

The dealer will probably keep your old bow to return to Ragim. When Wales Archery Specialists replaced my bow they offered me a replacement in my choice of poundage, which was nice of them. Especially as I had outgrown the old bow.

[hooktonboy]

Hi Al,

Seem to be able to break them OK. You know what they say; jack of all trades, and master (bowman) of......... well, NOT.

Hopefully the dealer will be the answer. Failing that, Windknot, you've just given me an idea about what to do the the glue that's too b****y runny to fletch with!
Still smiling!

[hooktonboy]

Dealer was the answer. Called there today, none in stock but confidently expecting replacement by Tuesday. Nice one, Bowplus!
S