Does anybody like Unibond

[Eric Krewson]

I loved the old Urac 185 glue but have issues with the new Unibond. I talked with a number of bowyers at a recent tournament and all had abandoned Unibond for one reason or another and gone to Smooth on.

Do any of you guys really like Unibond?

[Pat B]

Eric, I read your post on PA about Unibond. Have you tried Weldwood Plastic Resin. It is very similar to Urac(urea glue) but it is a dry powder you mix with water. I've used it on a few bows with good results. It has an unlimited shelf life as long as it stays dry and it is cheap. I think I paid about $5 for a tub of it but that was about 10 years ago.

[Bowjunkie]

I'm a Smooth On guy. I make all sorts of bows, and Smooth On is just more versatile. I used Urac 185 on backed bows for a while, but when it was no longer available, I never bothered with Unibond.

I still prefer Resorcinol for Z-splices, and I have some new unopened. I plan to get a bunch of billets ready and do them all when I open the cans... if it's still any good. If it's no good, I'll use Smooth On for the splices, which I have done numerous time without a problem.

[Roy from Pa]

I've been using unibond800 for 2 years without any problems on at least 20 bows. What issues are you having, Eric?

[macbow]

I was using it with no problems.
That being said my vendor isn't going to carry it any longer due to  warrenty issues.
I had one can that was bad new last year.

[Eric Krewson]

I have had two cans set up on me, granted I had them a while but urac wouldn't set up on me if I kept it for years.

I did find out from the company to keep it at room temperature for the longest shelf life. They recommended that Urac be kept in the fridge, not so for Unibond.

I also heated a tip to move it over like I had done a bunch of times with Urac glued parts. The Unibond turned loose.

[Bowjunkie]

Speaking of that, I've heat corrected Smooth On glued bamboo backed bows and trilams numerous times each without ill effect.

[Roy from Pa]

I buy it in 1/2 gallon plastic jugs. I purchase it online from a veneer wood company for a decent price. Maybe their stock turnover causes them to have fresher glue?

 This is on the jug.

 

[Wolftrail]

Have been using Weldwood Plastic Resin for a while and like it very much. I dont build glass bows so I have no need for epoxies. Dust is getting to be an issue and lack of work space makes it almost impossible for any type of dust system, and lack of ceiling height as well.

[bckskin2]

I would try Smooth On, but could only find large quantities. Where can I get smaller amounts?

[Eric Krewson]

You can get a pint from Bingham, the shipping is almost as much as the glue.

[macbow]

The Nocking Point is a sponsor also.
Great service.

[mikkekeswick]

Smooth On is the name of the company.....EA40 is what you are after  
Smooth On make lots of different products.
The bottom line is that all these glues will work BUT you must follow the manufactures instructions to the letter.

[Roy from Pa]

Damn, Mike.
I learn something new everyday.....

[mwosborn]

Just bought some EA40 from Kenny.  Bought the quart kit.  Last one lasted me for 2 years and still has a little bit left in it - just make sure to seal it up good and it will last a long time.  Actual shipping from Kenny is very reasonable.

[M60gunner]

I just glued up a bamboo fly rod with the 800. Only issue I had was the short work time. But I attributed that to the 90degree temp and zero humidity here. I won't know how it turns out till this coming Monday. I am waited 7 days for it to cure like the old 185. With 185 if you tried flexing to soon that section of rod would end up like a wet noodle!

[M60gunner]

I am a little late but I did unwrap my rod and sanded of excess glue. My rod sections flex and return to straight so I am calling the glue up a success. Now to add components and try casting it.

I learned I need to make the mix more like 8-1 so I can extend the work time in the summer weather. My prep setup works, no panic situations while in glue up process.