Should I fix the crack or not??

[alifaa]

I am about to re-skin my gone (hare) djembe, and noticed that the hairline crack I saw the last time I re-skinned it has gotten alarmingly more pronounced - . As this was my first serious djembe, and is signed by Mamady, I don't want it to get worse to the point of ditching it. My questions are:

1. Would you do anything about it?
2. If so, what would you recommend?

The shell has been seasoned with Danish oil (on recommendation by the respected importer from Melbourne), as opposed to my lenke shell which has shea butter. I am happy to sand it back to make the appropriate repairs if necessary . Some piccys are attached for reference - couldn't attach the one that gives the perspective of the crack on the overall shell, but the tape measure should give you an idea.

HELP!!!

Alifaa

[michi]

This is only minor, not a big deal. But, because it goes through the bearing edge, it's probably better to fix it. My concern is that, without a fix, you may end up damaging the skin where it gets stretched over the crack.

Check out the two articles below for how I fixed a drum of mine with a very similar crack.

Epoxy crack repair

Epoxy crack repair instructions

Cheers,

Michi.

[alifaa]

Thanks Michi, you are a wealth of info. Will go past Bunnings tomorrow to get some Araldite Superstrength.

Cheers

Alifaa

[johanbotha]

Hi,

definitely fix the crack! I've restored drums where half the bowl or stem has been broken out, and they turn out great if you take the time to restore them.

Don't be discouraged by cracks, you could miss a great instrument for worrying about the crack - I've seen many people do this.

To fix the crack is dead easy - fill it with wood glue thoroughly, and then clamp for 2 or 3 days. Then sand it, and repeat if necessary.

I think Danish oil is way over rated - it is very thin and doesn't seem to have a long lasting presence in the wood. Rather use raw linseed oil - and give it a couple of coats.

cheers!