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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: bow loving man on October 21, 2016, 10:52:00 AM

Title: Applying smooth on
Post by: bow loving man on October 21, 2016, 10:52:00 AM
I'm just looking for better ways to improve my process.... what do you guys use to apply smooth on during the glue up process... I use a plastic knife which will occasionally snap!   I'd love to know how everybody else does it... thanks
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Bowjunkie on October 21, 2016, 11:34:00 AM
I've been using a 6-7" piece of Bo-tuff fiberglass for about 20 years. It works perfectly.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: EwokArcher on October 21, 2016, 12:15:00 PM
I've bought a big bag of popsicle sticks and that has been going great for me. I like the idea of using another piece of glass though. But I'd still use my sticks to stir up my Dixie cup of glue
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: breazyears on October 21, 2016, 01:12:00 PM
X2 on the popsicle sticks.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: 6feathers on October 21, 2016, 02:23:00 PM
I use the formica counter top samples from any kitchen countertop store.  Use once and toss.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Ran Man on October 21, 2016, 08:19:00 PM
Putty Knife!!
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Kopper1013 on October 21, 2016, 09:31:00 PM
X2 on putty knife
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Crooked Stic on October 21, 2016, 11:20:00 PM
Don't throw your cut off pieces of glass away. Like Bowjunkie sez.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: bigbob2 on October 23, 2016, 08:16:00 PM
Popsicle sticks or scrap glass for me.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: kennym on October 23, 2016, 09:47:00 PM
Scrap lams from the barrel, ripped in half and cut to 9" lengths. You've seen the barrel(s)....
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: bow loving man on October 24, 2016, 10:26:00 AM
Yes I have Kenny!  Thanks for all the advice guys...I have tried a couple and will keep searching for what fits best in my builds...
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: on October 24, 2016, 12:04:00 PM
I guess I am the weird one...  I like using a 1" brush...  I tried spreading it with a lam and so on but I went back to a brush...  It gets difficult when the resin and air is cooler but I live in Florida and in the winter I warm my resin before use and put heat lamps over my work table... If you want to use a brush you have to break it in first... When I am laying up a bow or have extra EA-40 I will dirty-up a new brush with some resin and then clean it... I do this two times...  That glues the bristles in place and prevents them from falling out in the layup process... Anybody else use a BRUSH.???
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: bowhntineverythingnh03743 on October 24, 2016, 12:46:00 PM
Putty knife... clean with denatured alcohol... ready for next use
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Swissbow on October 24, 2016, 03:44:00 PM
I use the cut offs from the glass lams.
__________
Andy
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Sixby on October 24, 2016, 08:21:00 PM
I use 10 inch or so pieces of actionboo about 75 thousands thick or so and 1/2 in wide. I mix with the stick , clean it and then apply with it. works great and the glue goes on smooth and fast and clean.

God bless, Steve
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: glenbo on October 25, 2016, 12:23:00 PM
I have had good success with a two inch short nap paint roller. Used it on my last four lam bows.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: monterey on October 25, 2016, 12:33:00 PM
I use any old piece of a discarded lam from my lam grinding escapades.  Got quite a few.   :o    :eek:
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Mark R on October 26, 2016, 11:35:00 AM
I use a suitable thin piece of scrap 1" or so and a little flexable to smear on the smooth on then take a wall paper seam roller and even it out.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Robertfishes on October 26, 2016, 01:59:00 PM
I buy a 20 pack of auto body bondo squeegees from Harbor Freight. I cut them in half, use one half to mix smooth on and other half to apply glue. I mix on 8 inch plastic dinner plates.. I tried both scrap pieces and putty knives once..went right back to the bondo squeegee..
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Tim Finley on November 08, 2016, 09:00:00 PM
Bondo squeegees cut in two are the best !!!
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: bow loving man on November 09, 2016, 10:25:00 AM
Thanks guys!!
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: beachbowhunter on November 09, 2016, 12:44:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Robertfishes:
I buy a 20 pack of auto body bondo squeegees from Harbor Freight. I cut them in half, use one half to mix smooth on and other half to apply glue. I mix on 8 inch plastic dinner plates.. I tried both scrap pieces and putty knives once..went right back to the bondo squeegee..
me too
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Wolftrail on November 09, 2016, 01:13:00 PM
Whats wrong with brushes,  I use the small acid type brushes found in the plumbing department, or use small rollers they spread the glue evenly.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: monterey on November 09, 2016, 02:05:00 PM
I like to have a squeegee effect to force glue into the wood.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: 7 Lakes on November 12, 2016, 04:59:00 PM
1.5" chip brush with the hair cut off to about 3/8".  You can buy them by the dozens off **** for about .05-.08 each.  The new ones do duty as barbeque brushes.
Title: Re: Applying smooth on
Post by: Wolftrail on November 13, 2016, 02:39:00 PM
I use small Acid brushes, they work really well.