antler tips

[robA72]

I have searched for this in other threads but didn't find anything, so I thought I would ask you guys. Forgive me if I'm repeating a topic already covered here.
I have a good supply of antlers and was wondering if I could use them as a type of tip for a bow. I was thinking of filing one down at an angle and sealing it to the back of the bow at the notches.
Would this work or am I courting disaster for a reason I don't understand?

[Pat B]

Do you want to add them on like Sayahs on a horn bow?  They will probably work if you secure them well.

[Roy from Pa]

Antler will work, however it is porous and brittle in the very center. You can soak that center porous area with super glue and then glue them on the bow. Or you could cut the antler thinner to do away with the porous material in the center. I use a good epoxy to glue my horn tip overlays on. Actually I use Smooth On Epoxy. Lot's of guys just use super glue to glue them on, but I don't like that idea.

[halfseminole]

Roy, when I put the coyote bone on my tips, I used superglue, but first tested it by gluing a piece to a scrap red oak board I had.  I couldn't break the bond at all-the slightly porous nature of both materials completely locks it together.

[LittleBen]

I'm torn on this issue. I use superglue, but I wonder about it everytime. I know it works, my main concern is how long it is good for. I think epoxy will last like 100years ... I wonder if superglue will get brittle and weaken more over time.

Again I DO use superglue but I wonder if it's really the best. I think it's just the fastest

[robA72]

I wasn't thinking about Sayahs. More of like a little faceplate on the back of the bow for decoration. But now you got me thinking Sayahs. Hmmm..
Roy is Smooth on Epoxy the brand name? I haven't seen this product.
Thanks guys and I will post pics as I get further on this.

[Dan Bonner]

I got away from supergluing tips. Had too many fail. Never had a failure with SO. I dont heat it when I use it for tips unless I glue the tips on in the press (which is usually the case). I also quit heat curing 3 pc risers about 3 years ago and have had no problems. Got tired of exotic woods checking in the oven.

Bonner

[D]

I use superglue on my antler tips too.  I use the thin stuff and put a thin coat on the bottom of the piece of antler where its going to be glued to the wood.  When that dried I use the thicker gorilla impact superglue (blue cap) and it seems to work really well.  With that being said I think Smooth On would be stronger that the superglue.  I only use superglue on antler to wood.  on my one and only glass bow I used smooth on to glue the tips to the glass.  Oh and yeah the epoxy is called Smooth On.  Its amazing stuff..

[Pat B]

For tip overlays just make sure both mating surfaces match well, saturate the pith in deer antler with super glue(like Roy suggested) and glue them tdown. I have used thin super glue, gel super glue, 2ton epoxy and TBIII for antler over lays, all with good results. Rubber bands works great for holding glueed on overlays.

[Roy from Pa]

Yes Rob,  Smooth On is the brand name.

 http://search.3riversarchery.com/search#p=R&w=smo&url=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.3riversarchery.com%2fsearch%3fw%3dea-40%2520smooth-on%2520epoxy%2520pints%26ts%3dajax&rk=1&uid=23693294&ts =rac&rt=racsug&rsc=gZWHE1z3RiacVZdz&asug=smoth  on&apelog=yes

[robA72]

Thanks everyone. This is a big help and now I'm not so afraid to try this. I will be sure to post pics when this is done. Unfortunately, I'm still trying to finish the bow!