Prime time for adhesives

[Don]

Hey, Guys. Did you ever eat paste when you were in grade-school? I liked the smell and did taste it a couple of times, but nobody scarfed it down like Rudy Jones, the preacher's son.

Elmer's was it growing up. But, I remember buying my first two part epoxy when I was in production of making switch blade knives for me and my buddies. Mom always wondered where the butter knives went. I thought metal was metal then.

We are in a composite age and the woodworking gods have certainly blessed us with a lot to choose from for any purpose.

What have been some of your adhesive challenges and how did you solve them?

All the best, Don

Welcome to WoodworkingBuzz.com, the newest Woodworking forum and community. Use this area of the discussion forum to post about adhesives.

[Terry Mac]

Gougeon epoxy has solved every adhesive problem I've ever had. Makes the joint stronger than wood itself. Dries clear. There is a down side, you have to keep apple cider vinegar around in mass, as that's the only thing I know that will clean up excess and get it off your hands. Also, don't let it on clothing, or it becomes a dust rag real quick.

[Don]

I've never heard of this epoxy. Is it a brand or type? Much less an epoxy that can be cut by vinegar. This sounds interesting. What can you tell us about it?

dawjr

[mrmac]

Gougeon epoxy is West System. Not to be confused with West Marine. Vinegar makes for easy hand cleaning on all epoxies I've used. Just use it before epoxy sets. The only down side is you smell like a salad.

Mac

[Don]

Thanks, Mac, and welcome to the forum. It's getting hard to keep up with new members. I'll look into that epoxy, I've used System Three mainly.

dawjr

[Terry Mac]

Well I checked the rules and didn't see anything prohibited about posting website addresses. If there is a rule against it, I plead insanity and ask for probation.

Hey Mac, like the salad reference, I know exactly what you mean.

Here's West System's website:

http://www.westsystem.com/

I've used this stuff on boats, furniture, chester drawers, book shelves, can't name everything. Have also given many a good shirt to the dust rag pile.

[mmwood_1]

I've used west system's clear epoxy for a couple things, one of which was to coat a solid oak tiller for a sail boat. The owner had a laminated one that de-lammed, thus the desire for a solid one.
Mostly, I use titebond II for the majority of gluing. I have also used hide glue, which has some good uses. When I'm repairing someone's old furniture, it goes into and through a syringe easily, making the injection of glue into splits more feasible. It's what used to be used in most furniture building , back when.
It's also the standard glue for musical instruments. I rebuilt an antique violin which had been cracked (I think someone sat on it, but no one would admit to that). The old glue can be dissolved with rubbing alcohol or hot water. Scrape it clean and apply a new coat.

[woodman43]

The only adhesive challenge in the past that I can recall was on my 87 F150. The body molding had fallen off. Glued it back on with Marine Goop and its still on. It has been on for seven years now.
My newest challenge is attaching towel bars to glass block. Goop doesn't want to hold, i think maybe because the glass blick is non-porous. Any suggestions?

[Dagster]

Scratch the surface up with a diamond first? :D

[Don]

Can't help you too much there. I've used the Goop as well and will attest to the strength. I think you would be best off though with cleaning the surface real good with alchohol and using a 3M best grade of clear silicone. This is the same (similar) stuff that they use to put aquariums together with and they can't afford a failure there, plus it's stressed 100% of the time. I've done this myself and can attest to the strength.

Good luck, dawjr

[woodman43]

Good idea guys, I will try it.

[bogydave]

Looked at the WestSystem resin. Looks like a versitle product, different hardeners for different cure times. Trying to find it in Alaska. Jamestowndistributers has it.

I'm Going to use Dap Weldwood plastic resin glue for benchtop glue of 45, 3/4" boards to make a 2-1/2" thick . Come in powder form, mix with water, drys waterproof, bacteria resistant.
I ordered some Dap Weldwood plastic resin glue about 2 weeks ago, (one place Jamestowndistributers, wanted $28 for glue & $59 for shipping to AK) thru Ace, It ended up in Kirkland Wa. yesterday?? Shipping to the store was free, except Alaska $9.00.
This Dap plastic resin has long open time to get all edges level, good for butcher block glueing. Some Gov specs., rated for food service use.
Will let you know how it works out. (if i ever get it)
If it don't show up soon I might try this westsystem stuff. I'll See if it's in Alaska anyway.
glueless Dave