Smooth-On Question

[NightHawk]

We had a fire last year, so I'm very hesitant to use a heat box. I have used West System and like it, but want to use up the smooth-on that I have. My question is how long does it take for smooth-on to cure without using a heat box

[Crooked Stic]

24 hours at normal temps. It just wont be as good as using the hotbox. Seems the heat cure determines the the release temp of the glue so hot conditions may make it give up.

[OconeeDan]

Like crooked stic said, 24 hrs.  But they also say that you need the heat when glueing up limbs and risers.  Only tips and things that aren't stressed so much don't need the heat as much.
Dan

[Roy from Pa]

24 is good, but I do deflex/reflex bows so I let them clamped for 48 hours. I cure the bows at room temps and have never had one come apart at the glue joint. But I read in here that the bow should be cured at a higher temp.

[beekeeper]

According to Smooth-on this heat thing is a myth, the Glue will be just as strong if you let it cure at room temp. then with a Heatbox,it only takes longer.and as coming apart when heated to high temperatures is also a myth .they say when the Glue is cured it is cured no matter at what temperature, Heat only cures it faster.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have heard the samething as beekeeper did..

[Brent Rudolph]

I got to agree with Beekeeper. If the cure temp increased heat resistance, we would all cure our bows at 300 degrees just to be on the safe side. to increase heat resistance with Smooth On they advise that you use more part A than part B of the epoxy mix. Most applications are mixed 1 to 1. Smooth On will tell you the only way to make your bow more resistant to heat is to get it closer to a 2 to 1 ratio. That simple.

[Crooked Stic]

They also say that heatt treatment will improve physical properties.

[Holm-Made]

Before I got a heated shop, I could only get my heat box up to 100 degrees in the winter.  The bows turned out fine.  
I personally think that if you prep the surfaces correctly, mix the epoxy thoroughly, and coat every glue surface you will be fine with or without heat.  
Chad

[Bowjunkie]

Yep, I've backed a bunch of bows with Smooth On at room temperature, no problem.