smooth-on question

[karrow]

getting ready to try my first laminated bow. boo backed hickory. smooth-on was my glue of choice and i am trying to figure out what method of clamping would work best for me. i did a search and all look fine. planning on curing with heat in a reflex profile. so my questions are.

1 what clamping method do you perfer?
2 do i use a toothing plane (hacksaw blade) for the joints?
3 does the saran rap clamping trick work with smooth-on?

  thanks alot

[kennym]

1.- I use c-clamps on riser blocks,and airhose on bows. If you use clamps on the whole bow, you may want something to equal out pressure, a pressure strip of some sort.

2.- I never do, sanding with 40-60 grit is all it takes.

3.- Me gluing without plastic wrap would be a disaster! I use the cheaper walmart stuff, not as clingy and easier to handle.

Good luck and have fun!!

[tenbrook]

1.  Fire hose or rubber bands.

2.  No.  

3.  Never heard of this technique.  I use saran rap to protect my form/firehose from getting epoxy on it.

Good luck and be sure to post photos of the bow once it is complete.

Tenbrook

[kennym]

3- Reread this, plastic wrap is only for protection of stuff you don't want glue on.

[karrow]

kennym tenbrook thanks alot.  

[Dick in Seattle]

Like the rest, I use the plastic to protect the form and clamps.   I use overhead clamps with steel through pins.   Made these from 3 way edge clamps:

 

3 Way edge clamp

 

bottom screw posts removed

 

in use with steel pins through form

 

hanger straps are added to lengthen for the riser.

I like these because they center the pressure and pivot on the pin to clamp at any angle on the riser

[hardwaymike]

Nice, Dick! Cool idea.

[Zradix]

Originally posted by kennym:

2.- I never do, sanding with 40-60 grit is all it takes.


Good luck and have fun!!

Really 40-60 grit?
Do you do that by hand or power?
Seems like power always gives a finer finish than by hand if using the same grit.

I had no idea it needed to be so rough.

[Ironfist_Canada]

Great idea Dick I like it.

[Savage]

Dick that has to be the best clamping set up I've seen yet.

[Mt. Clemens Bowyer]

Karrow

  If you decide to use the fire hose method for clamping up your bow, and the bow you want to build is a recurve, I would suggest splitting up a few 3/8" dowels length wise, and putting these in your bow form at any point where there is a radius. Example: The riser, and the curves near the ends of the bow.  It will make tighter glue joints.