Official Luthiers Forum!

I have noticed that a lot of people use CA glue for rosettes, purfling, things like that. Why? Is it because you can put everything in place then put CA glue over the top and it will soak in? I suppose with normal glue you have to try to put glue down then set everything into place which would be harder.

Second question. I have some Gorilla CA glue, but I noticed its not 100% glue, its got tiny rubber particles in it, and it also says that its a bit thicker than regular CA glue. Is it suitable?

Matt-
For me CA glue is a 'mixed blessing' as the saying goes.
It has a nasty habit of wicking where I don't want it to go; it also will stain spruce a nasty green color.
On the other hand, it is great for quick repairs and it is (usually) quick.

For rosettes, the huge advantage is that it doesn't swell up the veneers (much) and it will 'wick in' form the top, so you can just push everything in dry and then add the CA. With Titebond/PVA I had some trouble figuring out just how 'loose' I had to leave things to still be able to get the veneers fitted in once the water in the glue swelled them up a bit. (Be sure to seal the channel well with shellac!)

I still use 'regular' glue (Leevalley 2002 or Fish glue) for most other jobs, including purfling/binding. It has the advantage of longer working time, which I need!

I'd use 'thin' regular CA from the hobby store or online source rather than that Gorilla stuff. They make 'elastic' CA products for model aircraft engine mounts and the like, but I don't think they would be good for instruments.

Cheers
John

CA sucks..... but I do use it for fret markers and gluing frets..... A couple of years ago I didn't use it at all so that's progress.... or not....

If it were me I would not use any CA with any solids/additives in it. Generally hobby stores will carry Bob Smith CA's often under the store's private label - good stuff.

I think that my aversion to CA started when I read that Madonna CAed Sean Penn's testicle to his leg while he was sleeping.... Just never wanted the stuff in my house after that.... The thrill is gone...

Hesh,
You still worry about that ? I mean you let Madonna down pretty gently and she has probably moved on by now but I guess there is no getting over you. Still, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

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Cut to size.....Beat to fit.....Paint to match.