Ozbow

Hi folks,

Long time, no speakies.

I have for the past 8 years been using Smooth On EA40 for my bowmaking classes. It has been an excellent product and I've had only good things to say about it.

However, my supply line is about to dry up, and I have learnt that due to global supply line issues, it will be impossible or prohibitively expensive to get it direct from the US for the foreseeable future.

So I'm turning my mind to Techniglue R60, and would appreciate some advice from those in the know. So, I have some questions:
- I'd get the slow hardener to increase the pot life so the students aren't rushed, but I also need it to cure overnight. Would R60 with slow hardener cure overnight in the hotbox at 55-60 degrees?
- How much runnier/thicker is Techniglue R60 than EA40?
- How many millilitres of mixed epoxy do you use in a simple, bamboo backed longbow?
- I was thinking I could mix up the epoxy on a slab of cooled granite to increase the pot time, but will this make it much more viscous?
- What's the cleanup like? I can wash EA40 off with warm water and solvol soap.

Many thanks folks.

Yeoman

Hi Dave,

Try Kustom King, with exchange rates and postage it is still a bargain especially if there is no alternative.
* *
Techniglue has gradually crept up in price.

Spread over the number of backed bows you can get out of a kit the increased cost per bow is minimal.

Daryl.

Thanks for the link, Daryl. Much appreciated.

To satiate my curiosity, do you have any annecdote or commentary in response to my questions?

I'll order some more EA40 now.

*edit* -
I just realised Kustom King is US based, and US suppliers are all but refusing to send parcels to Australia at the moment.

Dave,

The data sheet should give you the information.
I can’t find any information re curing at elevated temperatures.

The epoxy spreads easily although I used to apply too much and consequently squeezed out too much.

It would appear that the smallest pack of slow hardener is 2 litres.

Daryl.