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Just glued the top on and am wondering how soon I can unclamp it and take it out of the mold. The reason that I'm anxious is this is the second time I have glued it. The first time I overlooked a couple things that should've been done prior to gluing.

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RJS

Titebond in normal conditions can be unclamped in 20 mins according to Titebond specs. They also recommend no pressure or stress for 24 hrs, so somewhere in that realm should work.

Me, I clamp for 1 hr and move on with my work. Now that's on cabinets (have yet to have a glue joint failure in 30+ years). Guitars I usually wait longer, usually a scotch or two with a good smoke

MK

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I'm outside looking in, just farther from the window than most.

I've heard 45 minutes quit a few times. DON'T BE IMPATIENT!!!! Overnight it.

Dave

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God, Family, Carreer

It depends on the temperature and RH, Titebond sets faster when it's dry and above 70º, much slower when humid and in the 50's or 60's.
At 70º I typically leave the back and top clamped 45mn minimum and wait for the following day to trim the edge and rout the rabbets.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

I always wait overnight on tops and backs just to be sure.And always wait that long before sanding anyway. And my shop is always at 65 degrees and between 40 and 45% himidity.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with waiting over night in normal temps and RH levels (65-80F 40-50% RH) Titebond will set to full strength with in 2 hours. It will set up hard with in 45min. but I would not expose the joint to any major loading for a couple hours. Now drier atmosphere seems to have a bigger influence on set time than temperature does but both play a roll

Thank you very much. I left it overnight and now feel safe. It looks good all around and I appreciate the education for future use. Did we ever think that we could get answers to these types of inquries. Has not always been this way. Good on all you folk.

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RJS

Titebond is very affected by temperature and humidity. You certainly can remove the body and top from the mold in 45min. @ 70 degrees and handle it gentlly but as Dave pointed out why?

I like what Mike said, "have a scotch" I'm sure after that you won't mind waiting over night!! If the temperature gets up in the 80's or 90's you have very little open time with Titebond. After ten minutes at 90 degrees you won't be pulling that top off without ripping wood with it. What I would suggest you do is to glue a few pieces of like wood together and wait 30 min and try to break it apart. Then do it at 45 min, an hour. etc.. You will really get an idea of what you are dealing with.

Either way, on a joint as important as a top to a body I would wait until the glue is cured (a few hours depending on temperature) before you mess with the next operation.

I've got no experience with Titebond, but take your time. (not just with glue drying time) Anytime I get in a hurry I mess something up. The fact that this is the second time you've glued it on should be a reason to slow down, instead of wanting to rush things.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/