Easiest way to fix a slightly cracked mortise/shank?

Epoxy is one of the better adhesives. Outstanding adhesion and great for gap filling meaning you don't have to clamp it like wood glue. Lowe's/Home Depot or a local hardware store will have JB Weld (also heat resistant). Mix it 50/50 and rib it into the crack with your finger. Once you've rubbed it in thoroughly wipe the excess off. This is a bit tricky as you don't want to spread the epoxy all over the place. Acitone works great as a thinner for epoxy, but it's an aggressive solvent. It won't take stain off, but it will strip any laquor or finish. Although, vinegar works too. You should be able to get most of the excess epoxy off by just carefully wiping with a paper towel, but you will have a bit of residue. So, I would recommend the vinegar if your pipe has a finish on it.

EDIT:. I just reread your post and saw it's an unfinished pipe. So, acetone will be your best bet for cleanup.

EDIT: Acetone vs acitone!

Bengals? You poor bastard ...
:wink:

Yo ext
Find a friend who makes, or at least wraps, fishing rods. Using the same process with rod winding thread to attach the line guides, he/she can wrap around the shank over the split. Gluing the crack itself helps but isn't structurally as important as the wraps. If silk thread (rather than nylon) is used, and ensuring that no wax is applied to the thread, varnish will wet into the silk and turn the whole thing translucent, and maybe almost transparent. You will then be able to see the nomenclature and grain through the wraps.
hp

les