Antler tip overlays

[jess stuart]

It has been a few minutes since I used antler on a bow.  I seem to recall we saturated the pithy part of the antler with CA glue then glued on with epoxy. Does my memory serve me well or is there a better method? Thanks

[Pat B]

I think filing the pitch is the critical part when it comes to good adhesion. Be sure the glue surfaces mate well and pre-taper the limb end of the overlay so the string slides easily to the string groove without any obstruction.
 

[garyschuler]

I believe some guys boil the pre tapered overlay a few minutes to soften the horn, then they clamp it to the lip tip to cool. This pre shapes the overlay to the limb contour. Then they fill pith and rough sand a touch and glue tip on. Check with Kirk at Bigfoot Bow's as I believe he might have been the first to do it this way.