Applying smooth on

bow loving man · October 21, 2016, 10:52:00 AM

I'm just looking for better ways to improve my process.... what do you guys use to apply smooth on during the glue up process... I use a plastic knife which will occasionally snap! I'd love to know how everybody else does it... thanks

Bowjunkie · October 21, 2016, 11:34:00 AM

I've been using a 6-7" piece of Bo-tuff fiberglass for about 20 years. It works perfectly.

EwokArcher · October 21, 2016, 12:15:00 PM

I've bought a big bag of popsicle sticks and that has been going great for me. I like the idea of using another piece of glass though. But I'd still use my sticks to stir up my Dixie cup of glue

breazyears · October 21, 2016, 01:12:00 PM

X2 on the popsicle sticks.

6feathers · October 21, 2016, 02:23:00 PM

I use the formica counter top samples from any kitchen countertop store. Use once and toss.

Ran Man · October 21, 2016, 08:19:00 PM

Putty Knife!!

Kopper1013 · October 21, 2016, 09:31:00 PM

X2 on putty knife

Crooked Stic · October 21, 2016, 11:20:00 PM

Don't throw your cut off pieces of glass away. Like Bowjunkie sez.

bigbob2 · October 23, 2016, 08:16:00 PM

Popsicle sticks or scrap glass for me.

kennym · October 23, 2016, 09:47:00 PM

Scrap lams from the barrel, ripped in half and cut to 9" lengths. You've seen the barrel(s)....

bow loving man · October 24, 2016, 10:26:00 AM

Yes I have Kenny! Thanks for all the advice guys...I have tried a couple and will keep searching for what fits best in my builds...

October 24, 2016, 12:04:00 PM

I guess I am the weird one... I like using a 1" brush... I tried spreading it with a lam and so on but I went back to a brush... It gets difficult when the resin and air is cooler but I live in Florida and in the winter I warm my resin before use and put heat lamps over my work table... If you want to use a brush you have to break it in first... When I am laying up a bow or have extra EA-40 I will dirty-up a new brush with some resin and then clean it... I do this two times... That glues the bristles in place and prevents them from falling out in the layup process... Anybody else use a BRUSH.???

bowhntineverythingnh03743 · October 24, 2016, 12:46:00 PM

Putty knife... clean with denatured alcohol... ready for next use

Swissbow · October 24, 2016, 03:44:00 PM

I use the cut offs from the glass lams.
__________
Andy

Sixby · October 24, 2016, 08:21:00 PM

I use 10 inch or so pieces of actionboo about 75 thousands thick or so and 1/2 in wide. I mix with the stick , clean it and then apply with it. works great and the glue goes on smooth and fast and clean.

God bless, Steve

glenbo · October 25, 2016, 12:23:00 PM

I have had good success with a two inch short nap paint roller. Used it on my last four lam bows.

monterey · October 25, 2016, 12:33:00 PM

I use any old piece of a discarded lam from my lam grinding escapades. Got quite a few.

:eek:

Mark R · October 26, 2016, 11:35:00 AM

I use a suitable thin piece of scrap 1" or so and a little flexable to smear on the smooth on then take a wall paper seam roller and even it out.

Robertfishes · October 26, 2016, 01:59:00 PM

I buy a 20 pack of auto body bondo squeegees from Harbor Freight. I cut them in half, use one half to mix smooth on and other half to apply glue. I mix on 8 inch plastic dinner plates.. I tried both scrap pieces and putty knives once..went right back to the bondo squeegee..

Tim Finley · November 08, 2016, 09:00:00 PM

Bondo squeegees cut in two are the best !!!