What sort of adhesive do you use on heavier/larger tiptops?
I am running into issues with some tiptops breaking free with normal glue sticks.
Is it OK to use epoxy, and if so which brands are recommended for use in this application.
I have in the past have had to cut off tips with my Dremel longitudinally when heat wasn't working so I wouldn't damage the blank (so I assume, those were probably epoxy).
Thanks..

I use 5 minute epoxy only and I’ve had no failures. Supposedly, it takes less heat to release than the longer set epoxy but I’ve never tested that.

I use tip top glue sticks on all of my rods. In addition, I always put a coat of thread finish over the end. Also, whenever I build large swimbait rods, I use a tip top with a foot. I use a tip top glue on it as any other and then wrap the foot as I wrap the rest of the guides and put thread finish over it when I do the rest. I’ve never had a failure.

For heaver/larger tip tops, any two part, 5 - 30 minute epoxy will work and allows plenty of time to align the tip to the guide train.

As I have said before epoxy does make tip removal more difficult, but that is a future event that may never occur, if it does, it just takes a little more effort to remove the tip.

Have Fun

I always put my tips on at the same time I glue the handle so I use the rod bond epoxy and it works just fine.

I only use hot melt cement for attaching tip tops, even on heavy duty rods. Epoxy is much to permanent for me.
Norm

I mostly use my dwindling supply of the old Rod Dancer gels, five and fifteen minute versions. Andy advertised them as removable with “gentle heat”. I only use Torzite tops when building on expensive freshwater blanks. They are durable and I’ve never lost a ring. Like Drew, I’ve never needed to test removal. Every couple of years I try the heat stick and then remember why I prefer the epoxy. At this point if I have an issue getting a damaged tip off I wouldn’t even feel upside down.