Horn / core separation

Reto · Post by **Reto** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 2:12 pm

So far, nobody proposed Epoxy. I have no experience in using this kind of glue for my bows, but, under certain circumstances, would it make sense to use Epoxy to fill in and close the gap/separation between core and horn? What is the risk and how about the performance? I can imagine that from the processing point of view it might be easier and we simply close both eyes of not being that traditional.

Reto

Andrew Hall · Post by **Andrew Hall** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:43 pm

Reto

Modern and traditional glues do not stick well to each other. The epoxies I have used in the past are much thicker than hide glue so would be even more difficult to get into the gap.

I used epoxy for horn/core on my early composites. It is easier to attach the horn as you can take your time, but I am not sure it is flexible enough as I have had several horn/core separation problems and repair is almost impossible as the glue won't melt with heat.

As I mentioned before, I will try soaking the limb in hot glue. If my initial gluing was too bad for this to work I will try removing the horn with heat and regluing. I would prefer not to do this as there is a risk of damaging the sinew backing with the heat and the limb will need immobilising to avoid the sinew backing pulling the core into a silly reflex without the horn.

Regards

Andrew

Patrick Menzies · Post by **Patrick Menzies** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:50 pm

One type of epoxy that may hold promise for composite bows is the new G-Flex epoxy by WEST systems. It is extremely flexible and resistant to shock, expansion and contraction and vibration. Sounds perfect for a highly stressed bow.

Dusan · Post by **Dusan** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:19 pm

Who first talk about epoxy ?

Andrew Hall · Post by **Andrew Hall** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 9:49 am

I have soaked the limb in hot glue and flexed it until the bubbles stopped. This took longer than I expected.

I will find out if it worked in a month or so.

Andrew