Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Robyn Hode on December 01, 2020, 01:17:17 PM

Title: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Robyn Hode on December 01, 2020, 01:17:17 PM

I glued up a Hickory Backed Osage bow last week and forgot to tape the back of the bow. I used Titebond III to glue it up. Now I have glue all over the hickory backing. What can I use to remove the glue that will not weaken the bow backing?  Thanks in advance

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Bowjunkie on December 01, 2020, 02:07:40 PM

I've never taped hickory or bamboo backings.

Sandpaper is a safe method. If it's just a thin coating of glue 240 or something similar will work. Shouldn't take much to get it back down to raw wood. You're going to sand it later anyway so don't worry about it too much. I've purposely used sandpaper on a sanding block, starting with 60 grit, to thin quartersawn hickory backing from slightly over 1/8" to 1/16".

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: mmattockx on December 01, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

I agree with Bowjunkie that sandpaper works fine. If you have globs or thicker areas of glue taking them off with a chisel before sanding works well. Just be careful to index the chisel off the flat back so you don't gouge the backing beyond sanding depth.


Mark

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 01, 2020, 02:29:08 PM

Ya have any pictures of bow backing?

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Pat B on December 01, 2020, 03:18:13 PM

The nice thing about hickory backings is you can sand them anytime as needed and not just a light sanding.

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Robyn Hode on December 01, 2020, 03:44:31 PM

I will try to get pics. I thought about sanding but I thought someone might know some a trick.

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: onetone on December 03, 2020, 12:21:50 AM

A cabinet scraper works well in that situation. It would be my first choice.

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Robyn Hode on January 26, 2021, 09:02:56 PM

Sorry you all I did not get back sooner. The COVID-19 got me and I spent a few days in the hospital. I am fine now. I sanded the back of the bow and that worked great. I am still working on it. I will try to post pictures as I go. Thank you all for your comments.

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Flem on January 27, 2021, 09:28:46 AM

Glad to hear you came out the other side of that virus!
You can also use a heat gun to soften T3, makes it easier to scrape. Acetone will help break the mechanical bond of some wood glues on less porous surfaces, not sure about T3, but it is water based so it might work.

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 27, 2021, 09:36:01 AM

Good to hear you are doing ok.

Title: Re: Removing Glue from back of bow.
Post by: Pat B on January 27, 2021, 11:22:32 AM

Good luck with your recovery, Robyn Hode.  :thumbsup: