Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: JJACOBS on August 17, 2011, 09:33:00 AM

Title: How much smooth on
Post by: JJACOBS on August 17, 2011, 09:33:00 AM
I am about to build six bows, fiberglass with three lams in my stack. How much smooth on should I order?  Never built so many at once.
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: Dick in Seattle on August 17, 2011, 10:05:00 AM
Order the quart unit size, i.e. one quart can of each part.  I figure six bows per quart size unit, but I tend to waste a bit, plus some of those are four or even five lam bows with power lams, so they take a bit more.   I use the "glop" or "blob" measuring system and try to get a bit too much mixed so I don't end up re-mixing in the middle of a layup.
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: Glunt on August 17, 2011, 11:49:00 AM
If you will be gluing up multi layered risers or accents before going on the form, overlays, & limb tips, you might need a bit more.
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: JJACOBS on August 17, 2011, 02:32:00 PM
Gonna maybe add some
Accent lines to th risers on a few of them nothing to complicated though
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: Dmaxshawn on August 17, 2011, 02:41:00 PM
order a quart unit for the actual bow glue up.  then order a pint unit for the tip, overlays, and riser glue  ups.  it works for me.  

Shawn
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: Hootsbow on August 17, 2011, 10:04:00 PM
I just finished up a quart unit and built 10 of my recurves and 2 longbows and this inclued riser glue up and overlays and tips, my bows use 4 lams and 2 glass cut to 64 in long before glue up.
I use the 3 oz plastic solo cups and put just a touch over half full in each when measuring and still have a little left when done
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: KellyG on August 18, 2011, 12:57:00 AM
Hoots you may have to put up pics for the others to see. I mean heck you just got double of what everybody else posted.
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: Glunt on August 18, 2011, 01:39:00 AM
Wow, I use less and less every time but that tells me I'm still putting it on too heavy.  Thats just the tidbit I needed to try a lighter coverage.
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: Robertfishes on August 18, 2011, 09:04:00 AM
I mix at least 9-12. oz of smooth on for a one piece..I know that's a lot but I am afraid of dry joints..I use 3 oz plastic cups and fill to top with each part..I use a bondo
Squeege to mix and apply the smooth on.
Title: Re: How much smooth on
Post by: JJACOBS on August 18, 2011, 10:11:00 PM
Thanks guys