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So I'm about to do my first set of laminated sides using Brazilian (0.07") on the outside and mahogany (0.045") on the inside. What is your preferred glue for double sides?

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

I've used both Unibond 800 (a urea formaldehyde glue) and epoxy and prefer the epoxy. For guitar sides the West Systems is good brand and I like to add their amendment, chopped polyester fiber. It makes the glue setup a bit harder.

I have used both as well and am using Unibond 800 right now. Downside is that the resin has a short shelf life. I've got my latest order in the fridge but at room temp it can go bad in 6 months.

Both work but I like the way Unibond dries like glass. Hard and brittle. I think either is fine.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I am allergic to so many things. I wonder if anyone uses fish glue for this?

Laminating multiple layers of thin veneers I have found that having the veneer very dry seems to create less stress in the final product, so water based glues are out for me. I use epoxy. Any "bleed through" is taken care of with an epoxy fill.

Terence, I also liked the glassy brittleness of Uni-Bond. After comparing it to the West Systems epoxy amended with the chopped fiber, I was convinced that I could get similar results with either.

I'm currently using Titebond Extend. Longer open time, and dries hard.

I/ve used the following for laminating sides, HF white glue , titebond, fish glue, system 3 epoxy minus white silica filler, and a veneer bond uf glue. I use 3 and 2 multiples of .074-80.The following are some of the variables one must pay attention to a, method of laminating, b temperature, c set up time of glues, species of wood being laminated some are easier than others e.g sycamore, and a few others. UF is my favorite in the summer when temp is close to 85 as there is about a 15 min set up time giving me plenty time to lock down clamps and check for irregularities. Your location, dry or humid environment will also determine set up times and dry time

I liked the idea of not adding any water to the sides with the many glues that do and went with West System epoxy. It set up well and I LOVE the rigidity of these double sides. This was my first but won't be my last time doing this. Thanks for all the input everyone

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

Sounds great. I think you will be happy with what they do for the sound of your instruments Doug. I have certainly become a believer.

Did you buy the Brazilian as a veneer or thin a thicker piece?

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I received the BRW at about 0.100" thickness.

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

FWIW I/ve seen BRW veneer .022 for sale at certainly veneer in buffalo ny. Where I get all my veneers forgot the price.

Once I finally get set up again to start building Selmer's I plan on using fish glue. I simply love the open work time it has and it dries nice and hard. I don't think the water will matter so long as it's held in clamps long enough.

Good topic.

I've used West Systems, fish glue and yellow glue, all with fine results. As far as bleed through goes, I just hit both non-gluing surfaces with a coat of Bullseye sealer. It doesn't stop bleed through with the more porous woods like padauk and EIR. However, it does keep the glue that does bleed through (especially West) from staining the sides. Just a quick sanding and the sides are clean.

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michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com