Which glue

[razorback]

I have some cracks/checks to fill on a stave and have had several people give advice of either epoxy or thinned superglue. 2 questions
1. Which is your preferred glue for these types of repairs, and
2. How do you "thin" superglue?

[LKH]

You don't have to thin superglue.  Of course you can't used the "gelled" superglue that is available.  

Superglue is probbly the best since it seems to "wick" into the cracks better and therefore really fills the void.  I assume you're not talking big voids.  For big voids the epoxy may work better.

[mwmwmb]

the bowdoc recommends Locktite 420. it is super thin.

[razorback]

LKH. one crack is about 1/16" and the rest are hair thin. Will look for the locktit 420.

[mwmwmb]

mcmaster carr is a good place. you cant buy it in stores.

[ChristopherO]

You can microwave the superglue for a few seconds and it does thin it.  But, beware that the label doen't have metal in the paint, like mine does, or it will spark greatly!

[Pat B]

I use regular over the counter super glue for fine cracks and checks. If they are bigger, and with knots, I use super glue and fine saw dust. If the voids are pretty good size I do this in layers, allowing time for the glue/saw dust to dry before I start another layer. This way I'm assured no voids are left unfilled.

[Crimson mist]

both zap a gap and hot stuff make super thin stuff and is usually available at hobby stores or wood working stores like rockler and highland wood working and they also have online stores

[No-sage]

Watch the fumes if you use crazy glue.  Not only breathing them, but they will burn your eyes.

[razorback]

Will warming the area around the cracks help the glue to "creep" into the cracks, and would this hurt the bow in any way. Can you heat the bow too many times when straightening and inducing reflex.

[Pat B]

Warming a cold stave will help the glue penetrate better. I guess you could heat a stave too many times but I have had to heat and reheat some staves and with no ill results. If you do heat excessively you should allow a few days before stressing the stave so it can rehydrate.
   The bow I posted recently with the tiger stripes was heated and reheated and reheated to straighten out the bad bends and to add some good bends(reflex). After that I heat treated both limbs until they were chocolate brown then let it rest a week. It has very thin rings and knots in the limbs...and is one of my best shooters.

[Mt. Clemens Bowyer]

razorback
 I have seen other bowyers on the webb swear by a product called "CA Glue". It comes in 3 different varieties including the thin type which they used for delamination of bows. I have not used it yet, but certainly will if I get a problem. The thin variety looks like water and dries in 2 to 5 seconds. They instructed users to clamp up first before applying it because of the quick dry time. Apparently it seeps right in to the work.
 I purchased a small bottle from the "Wood Craft Stores" here in Michigan. There is many sources on the webb, also. Goodluck           John

[No-sage]

CA glue = cyanoacrylate glue = Krazy Glue.  They are all made from the same stuff.  Some are thinner than others.

[No-sage]

CA glue = cyanoacrylate glue = Krazy Glue.  They are all made from the same stuff.  Some are thinner than others.

I like the thin stuff for filling cracks and such because it penetrates very well.