Just did my first fiberglass glue up...have a couple of questions.

[clintopher]

I've done a few BBO's and I thought URAC was messy but that ain't nothin' compared to Smooth On...now I now why people call it snot.  This leads me to question one:

What do most people use to mix it and apply it.  I used a soup can and a spoon to mix it.  Then I tried to use said spoon to apply it to the lams.  Finally I got frustrated and just used my fingers to slather it on and then used a roller to get the glue evenly applied.  That leads me to my next question:

My stress level always goes up during a glue up and this time was no exception.  While I was fumbling around I managed to step on my other piece of glass (I'm building a take down) and it now has a couple of lengthwise splits about 5 or 6 inches long.  Will this affect anything other than appearance?  In other words...can I still use it?

Thanks in Advance,
Clint

[snapper1d]

I did not see where you got one of those SHARPE!!! glass splinters in your fingers.If you had I know you would have been telling us.I use latex gloves while working with glass.Those things are cheap and really can save you some pain from the splinters.I also use my fingers to smooth on the glue.I can get it smoothed on more evenly.Then just pull of the glove and its in the trash.About the splits in the glass.I dont know I never use any that has a split.I know some of the older bows have stress cracks and people keep shooting them with no problems.

[arraflipper]

I mix Smooth On in a small Dixie cup with a pop sickle stick.  Then us the pop sickle stick to apply it.  It will work best if you put some on and then take the stick and angle it back from the direction you are spreading.  About 45 degrees in no time you can spread it out and get an uniform job.  It will push the glue in front and lay a nice even coat on what ever you are glueing.

Jim

[ChuckC]

I mix it on paper plates.  I use a disposable 1.5 or 2" plastic putty knife to mix it and apply it, unless I am just gluing on small pieces.  At those times I use popsicle sticks.

Using the putty knife, I can grab a glob of it and , as above just slowly spread down the lamination.   I find that I put it on too thick and I go back over it lightly with the knife at more of a 90 degree angle and scrape the surface again.  I get a lot of the glue off, to use further down the lamination.  It seems that if you get all surfaces wet with the glue, you do not need much for a good glue joint.  Too much and it is difficult to handle, difficult to get the lams to stay where you want them and then after you apply pressure and heat, you have a mess with excess glue working its way out.

ChuckC

[defiant]

Clint,use a clean plastic butter container and 1.5 plastic spacular from hardware store to spread the glue,clean everything with acitone first.About the glass,you fractured it and not worth messing with,get a new peice or it will be alot of waisted work and effort.Frank

[elk ninja]

I second the spatula technique.  I buy them at the dollar store and toss them after each bow.  Works well.  I mix in a foldgers coffee can.  The small plastic ones, cut in half.  
Mike

[clintopher]

Thanks everybody.

[wingnut]

We make spatulas out of .080 stock about an inch wide.  Works good, just wipe them down with a paper towel a let it cure.  Used the same ones for a year now.  the technique above is what we use also.  I much prefer URAC to SmoothOn.  But horn likes the epoxy and so does glass.  LOL

Mike

[Tom Leemans]

I watched Byron Ferguson spread the glue out with a fingernail brush. He claims it leaves just the right amount on the lamination.

[Rick Perry]

I mix in tuna cans    ......... spread with plastic body filler spatula I cut down to the desired width