What type of glue do I need to use to make tip overlays stay on a laminated recurve?  I have tried instant glue but they keep popping off.  Do I need to use smooth-on like I used for the rest of the bow?  This is the first recurve I have made.  I have made some reflex-deflex longbows.  I started out using smooth-on for them but after talking to some bowyers went to the instant glue on the last six or seven and I have never had one of them come off.

I use super glue and a buddy that has made bows for years uses it as well. Before I put it on I scratch the surfaces to be glued very well with a file or something and then clean them with denatures alchohol, apply glue to both sides, put together, wrap in plastic wrap, put a couple pieces of wood on either side and clamp it.  Works for me. I use the loc-tite superglue, my buddy uses CA thin from Rockler.

I scratched up the surface, cleaned it with acetone and I used the CA thin also.  I have a new bottle of glue I may try.  I thought it may have been because the recurve tip may be flexing some.

Hogdancer, I am gluing deer antler to the glass but I have done this before with no problem.  I have not even shoot the bow yet and they are coming off.  Not good.  Thanks for the help.

I rough up the surfaces with 100 grit sand paper, clean with acetone and then use devcon 2 minute epoxy.  I would say smooth on would be much stronger but I have not yet had a problem with this method...the reason I like the devcon 2 minute epoxy is I can start to work on the bow again 30 minutes to an hour after I glued them on.  Best of luck

Hey Jeff,
The only ones I've had come off were antler also,I think I used 2ton epoxy on them. I wonder if the antler is porous enough that it soaks up the glue, giving a dry glue joint? Maybe a coat of glue on the antler to seal it,then another when you glue up?

Mine may not have fit well enough tho,it was my first bow!

Thanks bjansen.  That is why I liked the CA glue when a local bowyer showed it to me.

Kenny I am about ready to try a takedown long bow with some of those veneers you sent me.  I will try to post pictures when I do one.  I may trying giving the antler a coat of glue first or I may use smooth-on and see if it will stay.

Kenny, this recurve is made with the bamboo flooring.

Kenny nailed it.  Antler soaks up the thin CA glue like a sponge.

Thanks for the help.  I glued it with smooth-on last night.  Have not have a chance to really check it but I don't think they will go anywhere now.

I glue all my tips on with smooth on.  put em under a little light for heat.  dont come off.  Bob

I use Smooth On as well.  The stuff is just so tough plus I hate the hurried work time involved with the CA glues.

I epoxy the tip overlays the same time I do the riser overlays.  I put the whole works in the oven at 110 degrees for an hour or 2 then let it cool for at least 8 hours and it's ready to be worked.
Chad

I ended up gluing them up with smooth-on and used a lightr for heat.  Thanks for the help.

Try thick kwick-it from Thunderbird Archery  www.tbirdarchery.com   812-847-1995 Works great