Pattern glue cleanup

[mikemel]

I am new to woodworking and my eyesight is not the greatest. I have tried several adhesives to glue a paper pattern to wood for use on my scroll saw. After my project is cutout I have the glue residue to cleanup before I can stain my project. Does anyone have a suggestion for glue that will hold my pattern to the wood but is easy to cleanup?

[old_guy]

There are a number of spray adhesives that are designed specifically for holding paper patterns to wood (Weldwood Spray Adhesive is one). They should be available anywhere you get your woodworking supplies.

To some extent you can peel the paper off after the wood has been cut, or you can sand it off, or I've found that heating the surface with a hair dryer for 30 seconds or so will make removal very easy.

[woodman43]

Welcome to the site Mike.
I don't know where you are located, but I found a spray adhesive like old guy mentioned at Hobby Lobby. I bought it by mistake when I was trying to adhere material to a piece of plywood for the back of a display case. I was actually looking for a permanent adhesive and did not read the can. But I think it would serve your purpose.

[mikemel]

Thank you for the suggestions guys. I had purchased Elmer's Craft Bond but found it to be too hard to clean up. I will look for the brands you mentioned and give em a try.

[Don]

Hey, Mike, and welcome to the forum. If your wood is smooth to begin with, here's one thing that I've done in the past. Make a copy of your pattern using any copy machine that uses powder for toner. You can then use a regular iron to transfer the pattern to your wood. Of course the pattern will be reversed unless you manipulate the copy or pattern printing somehow. Some copy machines will give you a "reverse." The only problem with this is the lines can be faint unless you darken the copy using the machine controls. The lines come off easy with a pass of your ROS. Try it when you get a chance.

Don't let the wife see you doing it though or you'll be doing your own shirts next week. :o

All the best, Don

[Terry Mac]

Hi Mike,

I've also used the Elmers spray adhesive for gluing scroll saw patterns. There's some very good suggestions above, and I've tried the "iron-on" pattern before, it works rather well. Using the spray glue, I like to let it set for a minute or two just so that its tacky, the paper seems to come off better that way. Or use tape; the wide clear stuff for packaging.

As for glue clean-up, I've used a lot of different things. IMO, sanding is probably the best; but have also used lighter fluid, gas, B-12 Carb Cleaner, and some other chemicals that I probably shouldn't have used. :eek:

Good luck with it, and let us know what works best for you. Ohhh, and post pics! Enjoy looking at scrolled projects.