Antler overlays

[RBLusthaus]

What glue should i use to glue antler to wood?  Is there a best way to cut the antler - do I avoid the inside and stick to the outside or does it not matter?  Any other tidbits that you think I should know would be appreciated - I intend to use antler as a tip overlay and could use some advise.  Thanks.

Russ

[Steve Milbocker]

I used Tite Bond  3 on the two I put antler overlays on. Still going strong after many 100s of arrows. Even had a dry fire because of a bad arrow nock and it was none the worse for wear.

[RBLusthaus]

Thanks.  That is easy enough.

Russ

[Pat B]

I've also used TB glue for antler overlays. If you have some of the  center pith on the glue side  of the antler saturate it with super glue first, let that dry, sand it smooth again and glue it down. Be sure both glue surfaces match well.  Rubber bands work well for holding the overlay on while the glue cures instead of a clamp.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Fill the porous, pithy inner section with super glue or it will suck up all your wood glue and not stay put.........sometimes.

[Pat B]

I beat ya to it, Pearlie! 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I beat ya to it, Pearlie! 

Ya hot dog!

[RBLusthaus]

So, should I cut the antler so the pith is the glue surface and the outer portion is the visible side -  or - should I attempt to use as little of the pith as I can - or try to use all pith? 

Russ

[PEARL DRUMS]

" should I cut the antler so the pith is the glue surface and the outer portion is the visible side"

Thats how I do it.

[Pat B]

Me too.   You also want to preshape the overlay so the end that fades into the limb is very thin so you don't have to try to make the transition from overlay to limb tip later after it is together.

[RBLusthaus]

Thanks guys. 

[crooketarrow]

  I also use TB and rubber bands. Long time back I've even used elmers. It work good never had one come off. I always cut them perrty thin never had one thick enough that I had to deal with the pit.