I started to build my own nets. 5 branches are waiting to get dry. Saddly two branches which are of holly tree get cracks at the handle in the drying process.

I don't want to throw them away. Any idea with which glue i can fill the cracks? My first idea was to use epoxy, maybe it is to thick to get it into the narrower parts of the crack.

Epoxy would work if you don't mind the shiny look after it dries. I've used CA glue, crazy glue, and sanding dust on bowl turnings and wood joints, ie box and dovetail joints. What I do is put a few drops on the crack and put some sawdust on the glue pushing it into the place I want to fill. Let it dry and sand it, repeating as needed. The repair is strong because you used CA glue and it looks nice. The wood and filling don't match but I think the cracks would look nice using this process.

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Rick

テンカラ。小さなストリームのシンプルさ。
My Tenkara Rods:
13' Ayu, 12' Yamame, 11' with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

My Wife's Tenkara Rods:
12' Ebisu and 13.5' Amago, 12' Iwana with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

Many thanks for your quick answer. Do you mean instant glue with Cyanacrylat when you mention CA glue?
I don´t think instant glue is suitable for the nets because the CA glue is not water resistant.

The idea to apply some wood dust to the glue is a very good idea.

That's the glue. I didn't know the CA glue wasn't water resistant.

_________________
Rick

テンカラ。小さなストリームのシンプルさ。
My Tenkara Rods:
13' Ayu, 12' Yamame, 11' with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

My Wife's Tenkara Rods:
12' Ebisu and 13.5' Amago, 12' Iwana with a conversion handle, and an Ito.

Depending on the location and size of the cracks you could try wrapping the handle at least partially with any number of natural fiber cords or cane. Or you could cut the handle above the crack and splice in another piece of wood; perhaps of a contrasting grain or species. For every finished net I have I figure I went through 2 others that didn't work because of cracking - usually the hoop during the steaming process. In my defense, these are all hardwoods which do not like being bent in a tight circle. Some cracks can bring out the character in a net so keep that in mind also. Good luck!

Can you post pictures of the cracks? Were they at the ends or in the middle?

I'd probably also recommend rattan or some similar natural fiber to wrap around it and strengthen it.

It is important to keep the branch from drying too fast, normally wax will help prevent cracks (candle wax works okay, but there are other waxes that will work fine too).

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