Tip overlays on a recurve

[Arrowslinger]

What type of glue do I need to use to make tip overlays stay on a laminated recurve?  I have tried instant glue but they keep popping off.  Do I need to use smooth-on like I used for the rest of the bow?  This is the first recurve I have made.  I have made some reflex-deflex longbows.  I started out using smooth-on for them but after talking to some bowyers went to the instant glue on the last six or seven and I have never had one of them come off.

[hogdancer]

I use super glue and a buddy that has made bows for years uses it as well. Before I put it on I scratch the surfaces to be glued very well with a file or something and then clean them with denatures alchohol, apply glue to both sides, put together, wrap in plastic wrap, put a couple pieces of wood on either side and clamp it.  Works for me. I use the loc-tite superglue, my buddy uses CA thin from Rockler.

[Arrowslinger]

I scratched up the surface, cleaned it with acetone and I used the CA thin also.  I have a new bottle of glue I may try.  I thought it may have been because the recurve tip may be flexing some.

Hogdancer, I am gluing deer antler to the glass but I have done this before with no problem.  I have not even shoot the bow yet and they are coming off.  Not good.  Thanks for the help.

[bjansen]

I rough up the surfaces with 100 grit sand paper, clean with acetone and then use devcon 2 minute epoxy.  I would say smooth on would be much stronger but I have not yet had a problem with this method...the reason I like the devcon 2 minute epoxy is I can start to work on the bow again 30 minutes to an hour after I glued them on.  Best of luck

[kennym]

Hey Jeff,
 The only ones I've had come off were antler also,I think I used 2ton epoxy on them. I wonder if the antler is porous enough that it soaks up the glue, giving a dry glue joint? Maybe a coat of glue on the antler to seal it,then another when you glue up?

Mine may not have fit well enough tho,it was my first bow!

[Arrowslinger]

Thanks bjansen.  That is why I liked the CA glue when a local bowyer showed it to me.

Kenny I am about ready to try a takedown long bow with some of those veneers you sent me.  I will try to post pictures when I do one.  I may trying giving the antler a coat of glue first or I may use smooth-on and see if it will stay.

[Arrowslinger]

Kenny, this recurve is made with the bamboo flooring.

[Jeremy]

Kenny nailed it.  Antler soaks up the thin CA glue like a sponge.

[Arrowslinger]

Thanks for the help.  I glued it with smooth-on last night.  Have not have a chance to really check it but I don't think they will go anywhere now.

[Bob Sarrels]

I glue all my tips on with smooth on.  put em under a little light for heat.  dont come off.  Bob

[Holm-Made]

I use Smooth On as well.  The stuff is just so tough plus I hate the hurried work time involved with the CA glues.

I epoxy the tip overlays the same time I do the riser overlays.  I put the whole works in the oven at 110 degrees for an hour or 2 then let it cool for at least 8 hours and it's ready to be worked.
Chad

[Arrowslinger]

I ended up gluing them up with smooth-on and used a lightr for heat.  Thanks for the help.

[Ron Foley]

Try thick kwick-it from Thunderbird Archery  www.tbirdarchery.com   812-847-1995 Works great