Adhesive for a bamboo backed bow

[Ronin]

During the off season I want to try and make a solid bamboo backed, bamboo flooring bow. I wanted to know is there was any adhesive that I can use that I can pick up at a hardware store. I know that a lot of people use urac, but I don't know if I can get that at a hardware store. I will be using a reflex-deflexed form, but no hot box. Any suggestions?

[kmcewan]

I've heard that bamboo flooring isn't a very good backing, but good for the belly in laminates. The reasons I'm told are becuase of the few power fibers and the nodes being sanded flat.

That being said, a good marine epoxy should work fine. I've contact the techs at West System Epoxy and they said it should work as well as URAC 185.

Hope this helps.

Ken

:2cents:

[Ronin]

I am sorry that I didn't make myself clear. I will be using raw bamboo as a backing and bamboo flooring for the belly/core. Thanks for the help.

[Ray Cover]

Your going to need a really good glue to take the stresses of being bent and released time after time. Kmcewan is right a good marine epoxie would work but your not likely to find that at a hardware store. Plus those have to be mixed exactly per directions. Amounts can be critical for best performance.

Someone on Leatherwall a while back mentioned that Titebond III (not II) will do it. I have not tried it but I have my doubts about long term performance of such glues on exotic materials like boo (especially boo that already has glues pressurized in it). If you are willing to take the chance on the bow failing some day it might be worth a try.

In all honesty Urac is probably the cheapest option even with shipping. :2cents:

Ray C

[Phil]

Ronin...
I don't know if this available in the USA, but this is what all the English bowyers use.... hope it helps

[kmcewan]

I use raw bamboo as well and use URAC 185.

http://nelsonpaint.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=UA

You can't beat the price and it's shipped right to your door.

The west system epoxy can be purchased at most boating supply stores. Can be a little pricey but is very strong and should rival URAC in performance.

[FlyinCedar]

Try Bow Grip 100, available at www.rudderbows.com I used it to make my boo bow. It requires no heat box, just an average temp of 73 F or above for about 24 hours.....probably less, but I wait 24....it is pretty cheap, and is excellent. I will be starting a laminated longbow and a takedown recurve soon, and Bow Grip 100 will definitely be my glue.

:luck: