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This afternoon, I was gluing on a bridge. I was using hide glue and the LMI vacuum clamp. My craigslist vacuum pump seized up after 6 minutes. So, what do people think about the bridge. It seemed to be a perfect match dry fitting. Uniform squeeze out that had cooled and gelled. If it matters, it's bloodwood on sitka.

Unless the consensus is "no way" I suppose I'll try and string it up next week and see how it went.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Mike

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Mike Lindstrom

I think it might be fine. Some people attach bridges with hide just using finger pressure. I doubt many of them can keep it for more than 6 minutes Hopefully you did not try to slide or push on the bridge in the first few hours.

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Build log

Ditto. If the surfaces are well mated and the hide glue is properly made, a rubbed joint is adequate.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

One more, "It's going to be fine!" If it was clamped for 5 minutes it will be a good glue job. It was time to take the vacuum off and clean up the squeezeout anyway.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I vacuum clamp for about 15 minutes, but I think that is extremely conservative.
The vacuum does seem to accelerate the drying of the squeezout.
As long as it's a good fit with no stress, there should be no problem
Another vote for it'll be fine from me

Thanks for the reassurance. I was just about to shut off the pump for clean up, when it quit. In the past, I've then reclamped for another 15-30. This was my first with HHG. I thought it'd be good but wanted to check. I do the bridges on ukes with HHG and finger pressure, but I figure SS tension makes it more of a concern.

Good to know I'll have it done for xmas. Now I've got to find a new pump.

Mike

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Mike Lindstrom

I wouldn't let it go to a customer.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Thanks for the warning, Howard. Luckily, I don't have customers. This is for a relative, and they know I'm still learning.

Mike

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Mike Lindstrom