C clamp glue up (what's the secret?)

[Justin Falon]

What is the secret to getting good glue lines when using C clamps to glue bows up?  I have had good success with wood bows this way but can not get the same outcome with laminated bows.  Pressure strips?  Thanks.

justin

[Apex Predator]

I would suspect it would be with a fairly stiff pressure strip.  I use rubber and have had some super glue lines.

[Justin Falon]

Okay, where to get the rubber?  My last glue up turned out the right weight but had 2 air pockets...Only doing Hill style bows so it's pretty straight forward.

[elk ninja]

I use 1/4 inch aluminum strips, backed with cork.  Cork on the form as well.  My glue lines generally seem real even.  Because glue seeps out, however, you do have to go back and retighten a couple times... but the clamps shouldn't be cranked.
Mike

[kennym]

Justin,
I've never used c clamps,but I did use the rubber band system once,some broke,went to air and never looked back!

Did you use heat with the all wood bows? Maybe the glue thins with heat ??

[Fletcher]

Lots of clamps, fairly heavy pressure strip that matches the bow well and rubber to even things out.  Always worked well for me.