Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Mad Max on May 13, 2025, 05:28:55 pm

Title: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Mad Max on May 13, 2025, 05:28:55 pm
For Bamboo back bows, Unibond 800 use to be the go to glue, What is the replacement for it. I have used EA-40 but was looking for something else?

Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Pat B on May 13, 2025, 08:32:30 pm
Mark, is Unibond not available anymore?
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Hamish on May 13, 2025, 08:50:14 pm
Titebond 3 is a good, cheaper alternative, as a boo /belly wood adhesive.

That being said, I use a strong bowmakers epoxy for gluing on riser sections, as I have had some lifts at the dips with TB3, when the belly lam wasn't very thick.

A glue like unibond/urea formaldehyde is an ideal glue for all facets of wooden bowmaking. Its strong, rigid, and can take heat for bending corrections.
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Selfbowman on May 13, 2025, 10:39:30 pm
Smooth on epoxy or hide glue
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Mad Max on May 13, 2025, 10:54:15 pm
Mark, is Unibond not available anymore?

I was thinking it was discontinued, but Facebook is saying it's still available and I found it on some websites.
What have you been using Pat ?
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Mad Max on May 13, 2025, 10:58:26 pm
Smooth on epoxy or hide glue

Yes I have used EA-40 several times on bamboo bows and a lot on glass bows.
Seems like the last few times I got it was out of date (old)
After you open it the shelf life get short.
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: superdav95 on May 13, 2025, 11:46:18 pm
My go to is ea 40 for boo backings.  I follow the 2 parts a to 1 part b ratio.  I’ve had good results for bamboo backs. 
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Pat B on May 14, 2025, 09:26:42 am
Mark, my last glue up I used Unibond that Roy (Roy of PA)sent me. Unibond is the replacement for Urac 185 that was discontinued years ago.
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Eric Krewson on May 14, 2025, 10:00:18 am
I have done about 50 BBOs starting with Urac 185 and transitioned to Unibond when they quit making Urac i85, I have never had a failure.
Title: Re: Glue for Bamboo backed bows
Post by: Mad Max on May 14, 2025, 05:36:28 pm
Thanks everybody