Just wondering what glue other bowyers are using for attaching there limb tips. Do you use epoxy and reheat the limb or do you use other glues and what luck have you had with them? I've heard super glue is used by a lot of folks but haven't been able to verify. Any info or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks - Jwingman
I've used two ton epoxy, smooth-on and thick C.A. super glue. The two ton held good but I had trouble blending the overlay because the epoxy was harder than the surfaces I was sanding. The smooth-on works great but I was tired of waiting all night for it to cure. I have been using the thick super glue with real good results. I like the quick cure time, it is easy to blend and I haven't had any come off yet. Knock on wood. Mike
I used the super glue for a while and never had any problems, but I still prefer smooth-on. I think it leaves a smoother transition when you get it sanded in.
I use Devcon 2-ton epoxy (30 minutes set time). Works great.
V-Archer
Hey, thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. Keep it coming if others want to chime in.
Medium density super glue (with spray-on accelerator). I've also used 5-minute epoxy. Both still holding on the only two bows I've made!
I use Smooth-On. I've never had a problem.
I've used epoxy, super glue, titebond 3 without a problem. I've read of other methods which tells me that the adhesive isn't all that critical.
A couple of good buildalongs:
http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage/installingtipoverlays.msnw?Page=1
http://groups.msn.com/Horseapplesbowpage/tipoverlays.msnw
Two ton for me. If I'm putting new tips on an old bow, I'll put some Loktite 420 around the edges of the tips (clamping immediately) prior to putting on the new tips. This makes sure there has been no lifting on the tip ends. 420 has high capillary action so really gets down into tiny cracks. Even those you can't see.
Dave in Ft. Collins, CO
Again, thanks for all the input from everyone. I have the tips on and I should have pictures to post in a few days of the takedown longbow I made. I made quite a few recurves in the past but just got back into making bows again this winter. I too have used the smooth-on but hate the wait so I was looking for some additional ideas and it looks like there are a lot of good choices that everyone has had good luck with. I appreciate the time everyone took to post there information. Thanks - jwingman
Dave, where do you get the Locktite 420. I've asked in several places and they look at me like I'm nuts. (Which many may believe to be a fact) LOL!! Ralph
Ralph, it's not available at retail. I got mine from Granger, but many sources of industrial supplies carry it. Just a word of warning; the stuff is extremely potent. You don't want to inhale it. I wiped some excess from a tip using a clean cloth then accidently picked the cloth up to wipe my nose (I know-really stupid). The whiff I got literally jerked my head back, hard! I imagine it's very similiar to breathing cyanide gas.
Dave in Ft. Collins, CO
Another quick note on Loktite 420: an ounce will set you back 20 bucks or so but it lasts forever if you keep it in the refrigerator (per instructions from the manufacturer). A little bit goes a long way. It has numerous uses around the house so it is handy to have on hand.
Dave in Ft. Collins, CO