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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Don Armstrong on March 03, 2011, 05:47:00 PM

Title: Overlays and tips
Post by: Don Armstrong on March 03, 2011, 05:47:00 PM
I see some put tips on their glass bows with CA or 2 part epoxy. I do on self bows. If you use smooth- on to do the bow, how do you do overlays and the tips with smooth-on without the bow coming apart in the oven. I thought someone said if you do the bow at 180 you do the overlays and tips at a lower temp. Is this correct. Thanks, Don
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: JamesV on March 03, 2011, 06:14:00 PM
when I used epoxy for overlays and tips I didn't re-cook the bow. The 5 min stuff will work . I now use super glue from wally world. 4 tubes for a buck.

James...................
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: Bert Frelink on March 03, 2011, 06:40:00 PM
Don,
If you want to do tips with smooth-on you can just leave them sit overnight in a warm spot and it will cure just fine.
Bert.
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: Don Armstrong on March 03, 2011, 07:17:00 PM
Thanks guys, I thought smooth-on had to be heat cured. Don
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: tenbrook on March 03, 2011, 07:29:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Don Armstrong:
Thanks guys, I thought smooth-on had to be heat cured. Don
It does.

I put it under a light bulb.
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: mater on March 03, 2011, 07:48:00 PM
what I leave in the container after a bow gets hard without heat.
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: 7 Lakes on March 03, 2011, 08:08:00 PM
There is a section on installing overlays on my website.  You are welcome to visit the "Building Directions" page anytime.  
http://www.7lakeslongbow.com/
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: Don Armstrong on March 03, 2011, 09:08:00 PM
Thanks Mike, I am going to get a couple of those lights. Don
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: Robertfishes on March 03, 2011, 09:17:00 PM
smooth on will set/harden with out heat it just takes longer. when I use smooth on for tip overlays I use a "clamp on" shop light(the ones with the aluminum shade) and a 75 watt bulb, I also set a thermometer next to the bow tip and only heat up to 90-100 degrees, it hardens/sets fine just being warm and only takes about an hour..I keep the light at least 10 inches away from bow tips, the smooth on still hardens and I don't delam the bow from excessive heat..I have been using Gorilla brand Impact resistant Super Glue for tip overlays,no heat needed and you better be ready cause it set in seconds.. it does not look/finish as good as "smooth on" but its crazy fast... (http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/Robertfishes/gorillaglue1.jpg)
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: No-sage on March 03, 2011, 09:24:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by tenbrook:
 
QuoteOriginally posted by Don Armstrong:
Thanks guys, I thought smooth-on had to be heat cured. Don
It does.

I put it under a light bulb. [/b]
According to their website, Smooth-on cures in 24 hrs at 73 Deg F.  Heat cures it faster.
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: Bert Frelink on March 04, 2011, 12:24:00 AM
I've been glueing tips on for the last 15 years with smooth-on and no heat, just a warm place in the shop, never had one come off yet, it cures just fine with no external heat source!
Bert.
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: 7 Lakes on March 04, 2011, 08:23:00 PM
Forgot to add.  When you use the clamp on shop lamps check them every now and then to make sure:
1. Tips aren't getting too hot
2. The lamp hasn't fallen over and you're burning the overlay.
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: JD 9116 on March 06, 2011, 05:18:00 PM
I have had a tip overlay come off with the 1 ton apoxy from Lowes. I started using Smooth-on and let it cure over night in heated area and have not had any problems since. For what its worth,
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: kennym on March 06, 2011, 05:35:00 PM
Mike, very nice instructions on your site!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on March 08, 2011, 10:31:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Robertfishes:
smooth on will set/harden with out heat it just takes longer. when I use smooth on for tip overlays I use a "clamp on" shop light(the ones with the aluminum shade) and a 75 watt bulb, I also set a thermometer next to the bow tip and only heat up to 90-100 degrees, it hardens/sets fine just being warm and only takes about an hour..I keep the light at least 10 inches away from bow tips, the smooth on still hardens and I don't delam the bow from excessive heat..I have been using Gorilla brand Impact resistant Super Glue for tip overlays,no heat needed and you better be ready cause it set in seconds.. it does not look/finish as good as "smooth on" but its crazy fast...  (http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/Robertfishes/gorillaglue1.jpg)
This isn't your average Ca glue here. this impact resistant formula is excellent..... i've been using it for a couple years now myself.....
Title: Re: Overlays and tips
Post by: Robertfishes on March 11, 2011, 12:59:00 PM
Bringing this to the top