Author Topic: Repairing a longbow tip overlay  (Read 1260 times)

Offline Rhstickbow

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Repairing a longbow tip overlay
« on: September 13, 2023, 12:00:32 PM »
I have a fiberglass longbow that one of the tip overlays came off. The overlay is ebony but, not sure. The piece that came off, came off and appears that it would actually match and fit back on with the right glue. It is intact. I need some recommendations on what to use to glue it back on.  I have used Smooth On EA-40 in the past for bow building, but do not currently have any. Is there a two part epoxy that I could get locally, at Home Depot or Ace Hardware that would work. I have some clamps and can clamp in place. I also have Gorilla Superglue gel, but you have to be pretty quick with that stuff, and I’m not sure it would hold as good as a two part epoxy. Please let me know your experience and suggestions. Thanks.

Online Pat B

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Re: Repairing a longbow tip overlay
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2023, 01:13:20 PM »
I've used super glue and 2ton epoxy for tip overlays with good results. Be sure to sand the old glue off of the overlay and bow tip and make sure the glue surfaces are well matched and mated. Lately I've used rubber bands to "clamp" tip overlays. It gives good, even pressure and holds well until the glue dries.
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Offline Rhstickbow

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Re: Repairing a longbow tip overlay
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2023, 01:44:41 PM »
Thanks for your instruction. God Bless.

Online Kirkll

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Re: Repairing a longbow tip overlay
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2023, 10:18:46 PM »
I’ll echo Pats post… thick viscosity super glue will work fine. Sand both surfaces lightly and clean the glass with acetone. A small spring clamp, or even a small C clamp works well it doesn’t take a lot of pressure, just good even pressure. A rubber band work work very well too.    Kirk
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Offline Rhstickbow

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Re: Repairing a longbow tip overlay
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2023, 10:41:32 AM »
Thanks Kirk for your help as well. Is the type of superglue that you are referring to the gel type? Does it have a longer set up time than the standard superglue? My concern is making sure I have enough time to match the pieces before it sets up. Having more than just a few seconds would be better I think. Is there a particular brand that you have found to be better than others?  Thanks

Online Kirkll

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Re: Repairing a longbow tip overlay
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2023, 09:58:06 PM »
Thanks Kirk for your help as well. Is the type of superglue that you are referring to the gel type? Does it have a longer set up time than the standard superglue? My concern is making sure I have enough time to match the pieces before it sets up. Having more than just a few seconds would be better I think. Is there a particular brand that you have found to be better than others?  Thanks

there are a lot of different brands of CA glue out there, and personally i do not like the gel type. but many guys swear by the stuff. This is what i use and i buy it in large quanities.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C32ML9Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

I also buy the thin viscosity for dealing with wood checks and repairs. This stuff pernitrates deeply into a crack and runs like water.... Gotta be careful with it or it can make a mess real quickly... lol

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C32ME6G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

on tip overlays you will have about 4-5 seconds to adjust without putting any pressure on it using the thick CA.... Get everything ready, match it up dry and fit it.... Then position it with your fingers first pressing down lightly when it's just right. Hold it for a second or two, then put a clamp on it..... Or.... use epoxy and you can take as much time as you want. but it needs to dry for 24 hours before messing with it.... I dont have that kind of time to mess with it myself.... Get er done!
« Last Edit: September 14, 2023, 10:04:06 PM by Kirkll »
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Offline Rhstickbow

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Re: Repairing a longbow tip overlay
« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2023, 11:25:20 AM »
Thanks KirkII for your insights, and the links to the glue you use.

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