Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: luke the drifter on December 08, 2009, 04:33:15 pm

Title: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: luke the drifter on December 08, 2009, 04:33:15 pm
is hide glue alright to bind two billits together?  if so, what ratio of water and glue would be acceptable? what about the idea of putting a dowel or some kind of pin through the splice for  extra strength? if this is acceptable, i would certainly seal the bow after reaching desired tiller to prevent moisture from causing the glue to come undone.
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: Mangeur de lard on December 08, 2009, 05:09:16 pm
in tbb (dont remember which one) I think it's john strunk that mentions that in the days when bowyers used hide glus to splice billets it was not rare to see archers going to their car after a day at the target butts with two half bows under their arm. They would glue them back up when they got home. Although it can be done with hide glue, I recommend using a weatherproof wood glue (tite bond 2, tb 3, Urac, Epoxy, etc) for a more permanent bond.

hope this helps
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: radius on December 09, 2009, 02:49:02 pm
ah, le mangeur du lard a retourne!
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: Gordon on December 09, 2009, 05:12:15 pm
Hide glue is certainly strong enough to hold two billets together as long as the joint stays dry. If it gets wet, game's over...
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: kayakfisher on December 09, 2009, 07:14:52 pm
I would use a modern glue to ,make the joint.
                                                   Dennis
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: Shadow Walker on December 09, 2009, 09:28:00 pm
I have used hide glue on 4 different bows to splice billets, but have always used a glue on handle on the belly as well. I've never had a problem yet. In fact, I've never had a problem using hide glue on any part of bow construction. As long as your bow is sealed and you're not shooting it under water,it should be fine.
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: Hillbilly on December 10, 2009, 01:27:29 pm
Also, I wouldn't drill and pin it. I've tried that once, the bow broke through the middle of the dowels. I think it makes it weaker instead of stronger.
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: Justin Snyder on December 10, 2009, 01:39:34 pm
Hide glue actually makes an good glue for this. It will not shrink in the joint like PVA glues.

Shannon, does that mean I shouldn't use it on my snorkeling bowfishing set up?  ;)
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: Shadow Walker on December 11, 2009, 02:51:32 pm
Quote from: Justin Snyder on December 10, 2009, 01:39:34 pm
Hide glue actually makes an good glue for this. It will not shrink in the joint like PVA glues.

Shannon, does that mean I shouldn't use it on my snorkeling bowfishing set up?  ;)
You could try shrink wrapping it in saran wrap. Not sure that would pass as primitive though!
Title: Re: hide glue and billit splices
Post by: Mangeur de lard on December 12, 2009, 11:27:25 am
hope your billet bow works out OK


haha yes Raduis I'm back
I'm away from home until Christmas and Internet acces is not always easy.


Matthieu