what glue to use for laminating

[Gordon]

i am using 3 clamps like 12 inches apart

That's not near enough clamps. When I use clamps I space them about every 2-3 inches.

[Grunt]

Sounds like the clamps are the problem. I use the same as Gordon. It is a pretty big chunk of $ to get enough clamps. Maybe some of the guys will chime in on some low cost clamping methods. I've got enough clamps but I'm 63 and I have been collecting them for half my life.

[El Destructo]

Split Bicycle Innertubes...or Ace Bandages work fine for Me...or if you have a Harbor freight near by...they sell some pretty cheap Clamps...but they are not the Strongest either...I prefer the Ace Bandages because they can breath....and the Glue dries faster...just be sure that you don't torque the Glue-Up as you stretch the Bandages tight...you can end up inducing Propeller twist....JMO

[Gordon]

Go to harbor freight or home depot and get a bunch of spring clamps. When they are on sale they are about a buck a piece. They are much cheaper than screw clamps and work just as well for this application.

[Justin Snyder]

Does anyone ever use Smooth on for hickory backed or bamboo backed glue ups?  I got some left over.  I have two bows I need to glue up.

Quite often....

[KenH]

I've used spiral wrapped shrink-wrap to clamp glue ups of other long-skinny projects.  No reason it won't work for a bow.   Get a 5" wide roll from HD or Lowe's for about $8, it'll last a looooonnnnggg time.  Use a couple C clamps  to hold the pieces together as you start to wrap, and remove them as you come to them.  Let it sit 24 hrs, then remove the wrap.  There will be un-set glue on glue line.  That's OK. Let it sit another couple hours until that dries.  Then you're good to go.

[bubby]

I'm with Ken and the stretch wrap, you want to start at the middle of the bow and work out to the end's wrap til you see the glue squeeze out and continue down the bow. works great for me gluing in reflex

[TheWildCat]

I use TiteBond3 as well as wrappin in plastic wrap and the clamping thoughly. However, when I first started this process I was gettin mixed results, some good, and some not so good. I found my problem. I was applying the glue to the backing and puttin it on the stave and clampin it. I now apply the glue to both the backin and the stave, then put them together,  and then proceed with the wrappin and clampin. Oh ...I fergot...I always score each surface and clean them with denatured alcohol to remove any oils, before I apply the glue. Haven't had a bad glue joint since.

[wildman]

I will try to get a pic to you in the next few days of the string and wedge method. You can do several bows for ten bucks or so. You might send Robustus a pm he has probably got pics of glueing a bow up this way.