How to laminate Oily woods

[Milo Creek Carvings]

Hello -This is Milo Creek Carvings in Montana,

I've got a question for the forum...I hand carve native trout out of exotic woods...What process does one use to laminate oily woods ie...Cocobola, Bocote, Lignum Vitae...so that, once dry, the wood does not seperate?

Currently, I use Acetone to wipe off the excess oil; then use epoxy glue then laminate. One thing I have learned about laminateing oily woods is to make sure that the board you're about to laminate is perfectly planned (flat), so that you get no separation when glued.

I am curious if there are other glues, techniques or methods, tricks of the trade out there that may be additionally helpful.

Thanks in advance,

Tom Dean
Milo Creek Carvings
Great Falls, MT

[JimPletcher]

I use fresh-cut wood wiped with acetone followed by Gorilla glue.
This has worked for well for Teak and anything I've tried to glue to it.

[Robby]

Like Jim said, the most important part is to have all parts ready to glue, wipe with acetone (or real laquer thinner, not mineral spirits), then use glue of choice. Do it all quickly, don't rush yourself, but don't use the acetone on the wood and wait till later to glue, the oils will migrate back. Gorilla glue being one of the stronger ones out there.