Can i use Titebond for bamboo backing?

[bigjimaus]

Hi all I think i know the answer already but wanted to get advice from you guys. Can i use Tightbond to glue natural bamboo backing to spotted gum? I think I have a red label one not sure what number it is. I don't know if I can get away with the $55+ for techniglue or smooth-on. If tightbond won't work are there any other cheaper solutions for gluing Bamboo backing on. I will post some pics once i have built the bow but it may take a while.

Cheers,
Big Jim

[greybeard]

Jim,

I believe Dave, aka Yeoman has had success with Titebond 111 and someone on Ozbow has tried Gorilla glue.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-too ... illa-glue/

Daryl.

[bigjimaus]

Cheers Daryl,
I will make sure it is III if not I will price some up and see how I go. i will have to make sure i throw up some pics once I'm done.

Cheers,
Big Jim

[hunterguy1991]

Hey Jim,

Micklauger (Mick) advised me that when gluing on hickory backings titebond 3 (green label) is ok up to around 50lbs draw, anything more and you need either techniglue or smooth on. I imagine that it would be similar doing it with bamboo...

Hope that helps,

Colin

[bigjimaus]

Thanks Colin,

I have priced up a bottle for about $9 at masters so I will pop in and grab one on my way home .

Cheers,
Big Jim

[yeoman]

Yep, I used TB III exclusively for a few years. West System was too problematic so I switched and had far more success.

I've also tried Gorilla Glue. Sometimes it's terrific. Sometimes it's lousy. There's no way to predict how good the joint is until you test it. Even if you do two glue ups exactly the same, one may hold and the other not. So I avoid it now.

I made bamboo and spotted gum bows around 50 lb, and up to 2" Perry Reflex just fine when using TBIII. I would have made higher weights if there'd been need.

Do some tests on scrap as per Daryl's link. If the glue is stronger than the wood, and is dependably strong, then go for it. I like TBIII for its non-toxicity and easy clean up, even after curing. I left mine to cure for 48-72 hours to make sure.