Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Arrowslinger on December 22, 2008, 03:46:00 PM
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What type of glue do I need to use to make tip overlays stay on a laminated recurve? I have tried instant glue but they keep popping off. Do I need to use smooth-on like I used for the rest of the bow? This is the first recurve I have made. I have made some reflex-deflex longbows. I started out using smooth-on for them but after talking to some bowyers went to the instant glue on the last six or seven and I have never had one of them come off.
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I use super glue and a buddy that has made bows for years uses it as well. Before I put it on I scratch the surfaces to be glued very well with a file or something and then clean them with denatures alchohol, apply glue to both sides, put together, wrap in plastic wrap, put a couple pieces of wood on either side and clamp it. Works for me. I use the loc-tite superglue, my buddy uses CA thin from Rockler.
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I scratched up the surface, cleaned it with acetone and I used the CA thin also. I have a new bottle of glue I may try. I thought it may have been because the recurve tip may be flexing some.
Hogdancer, I am gluing deer antler to the glass but I have done this before with no problem. I have not even shoot the bow yet and they are coming off. Not good. Thanks for the help.
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I rough up the surfaces with 100 grit sand paper, clean with acetone and then use devcon 2 minute epoxy. I would say smooth on would be much stronger but I have not yet had a problem with this method...the reason I like the devcon 2 minute epoxy is I can start to work on the bow again 30 minutes to an hour after I glued them on. Best of luck
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Hey Jeff,
The only ones I've had come off were antler also,I think I used 2ton epoxy on them. I wonder if the antler is porous enough that it soaks up the glue, giving a dry glue joint? Maybe a coat of glue on the antler to seal it,then another when you glue up?
Mine may not have fit well enough tho,it was my first bow!
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Thanks bjansen. That is why I liked the CA glue when a local bowyer showed it to me.
Kenny I am about ready to try a takedown long bow with some of those veneers you sent me. I will try to post pictures when I do one. I may trying giving the antler a coat of glue first or I may use smooth-on and see if it will stay.
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Kenny, this recurve is made with the bamboo flooring.
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Kenny nailed it. Antler soaks up the thin CA glue like a sponge.
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Thanks for the help. I glued it with smooth-on last night. Have not have a chance to really check it but I don't think they will go anywhere now.
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I glue all my tips on with smooth on. put em under a little light for heat. dont come off. Bob
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I use Smooth On as well. The stuff is just so tough plus I hate the hurried work time involved with the CA glues.
I epoxy the tip overlays the same time I do the riser overlays. I put the whole works in the oven at 110 degrees for an hour or 2 then let it cool for at least 8 hours and it's ready to be worked.
Chad
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I ended up gluing them up with smooth-on and used a lightr for heat. Thanks for the help.
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Try thick kwick-it from Thunderbird Archery www.tbirdarchery.com (http://www.tbirdarchery.com) 812-847-1995 Works great