What causes air bubbles underneath the glass. I use a press with fire hose @ 65-70 PSI Sometimes I get bubbles and sometimes the limb is perfect, no bubbles. Could it be to much glue? Tony

How are you applying it to the laminations?

A 1" wide plastic puddy knife.

Hi Tony,

I rarely (not gonna say never)  get any bubbles.

I wonder if it is because I build longbows,and you make TD's? Maybe the bubbles have a bit more time to surface and are eliminated.

I use a wood scrap,like 1/8" x 3/4" x 10" for a spreader.

I'm sure your glue is not cold?

I've been told sliding the lams around a little on each other helps too, but I'm sayin if the air bubbles are in the stack, some of em are gonna stay there.

Do you scrape it in pretty good or just swipe it gently? I put it on one way, and then go back the other way, and then back again...being sure to get it into the pores. I use firm pressure...not gentle and not hard. I have never had air bubbles on my high pressure form, which I use for my Protege Longbows. I did have bubbles once on a kid bow on a inexpensive form that I used "rubber bands" to glue it up, but I didn't use enough rubber straps IMO to put much pressure on it and I believe that was the cause. The bubbles in that kid bow were very minor though.

I would also suggest increasing your hose pressure.

Try running a hair dryer over the glued  lamination.  It brings bubbles to the surface where they can be wiped off.

Good points guys.

Like Lee, I work it in pretty good.

Thanks guys for your input, I'll try some of your suggestion on the next glue-up. Tony

Also when you mix your smooth-on don't whip it just gentle stiring will help to keep bubbles out of the mix. Make sure both surfaces are covered with no dry spots and the glue is worked in. I probably use too much glue but I never have bubbles. When I use clear glass over expensive wood, I hold my breath while pulling the tape off the limbs, it seems to help.

James.....................