Glue Up problem

[bob nelson]

I am carving a mantel and glued two 2/10'' together. In the middle of my work i carved a row of trees I went through the first 2 inches into the second board what I have noticed the tree has split between the two boards I glued together. How can I remedy this. Do I try to glue the tree together which will be quite a task or can i use a brad nail counter sink the nail use fill and try to make something look worth while . I need help on this one the mantel is very detailed 10 inches high and 5 feet long. I really need your advice . I am upset because I changed glue I used contact cement . Instead of carpenters glue. I have never used this glue but I got talking to another carver { not on this board } but in a store . Damn you have no idea how I feel right now weeks of work help please Bob Nelson

[mpounders]

I would try getting some carpenter's glue in there and then put some boards across to try and clamp it together...might be able to use a screw from the back to help hold it together for the new glue to dry? I think you are going to have to stabilize it some fashion to keep them from separating more. When that's done, you could approach filling the cracks.....maybe with an eposy wood product or by cutting wood that could be fit in place and then carved to match....like a shim maybe. Somebody probably will have a better suggestion than these.

[AlArchie]

Bob, I guess you don't need anyone telling you that contact cement is not the correct glue to use on a woodcarving/working project. It's a flexible adhesive that penetrates very little and provides an actual buffer between glued pieces.

If I understand your predicament, the part that you carved past the joint has separated. If this is correct, what I would suggest id to remove that piece from the carving, then with a strong solvent such as acetone or even plain paint thinner, remove all the old contact cement from the removed piece and the spot that it was removed from. Once you get that all off, let it dry thoroughly, then apply a good grade carpenters glue to the pieces, press the loose piece in place for a minute or so just by using finger pressure. With a good grade glue this shout be enough to set the piece in place. Now very carefully clamp the piece in place using only moderate pressure. You should be able to do this by placing a scrap piece of wood over the piece you are replacing. If you don't have a clamp of the right size, once the piece is pressed into place, try putting a heavy weight on the piece instead of a clamp.

It may be worth your time and effort to try ans separate those two pieces you glued up....maybe you can work a thin chisle or straight gouge in between and then pry them gently apart. That may just work if the contact cement hasn't been there too long. Like I said it's a flexible material and it may allow enough give to get thos boards apart. If you can, wash both glued sides with solvent, dry and reglue with carpenters glue.

You sure have yourself a predicament....good luck. Let us know how things work out.

Al

[bob nelson]

Originally Posted by mpounders

I would try getting some carpenter's glue in there and then put some boards across to try and clamp it together...might be able to use a screw from the back to help hold it together for the new glue to dry? I think you are going to have to stabilize it some fashion to keep them from separating more. When that's done, you could approach filling the cracks.....maybe with an eposy wood product or by cutting wood that could be fit in place and then carved to match....like a shim maybe. Somebody probably will have a better suggestion than these.

Thank you for replying to my post I found it really upsetting. I have always used carpenters glue except this time. I got the suggestion from a salesman at Home Depot ( not putting Home Depot down) but I sure chose the wrong project to try something different. Again thank you for replying Bob

[bob nelson]

Originally Posted by AlArchie

Bob, I guess you don't need anyone telling you that contact cement is not the correct glue to use on a woodcarving/working project. It's a flexible adhesive that penetrates very little and provides an actual buffer between glued pieces.

If I understand your predicament, the part that you carved past the joint has separated. If this is correct, what I would suggest id to remove that piece from the carving, then with a strong solvent such as acetone or even plain paint thinner, remove all the old contact cement from the removed piece and the spot that it was removed from. Once you get that all off, let it dry thoroughly, then apply a good grade carpenters glue to the pieces, press the loose piece in place for a minute or so just by using finger pressure. With a good grade glue this shout be enough to set the piece in place. Now very carefully clamp the piece in place using only moderate pressure. You should be able to do this by placing a scrap piece of wood over the piece you are replacing. If you don't have a clamp of the right size, once the piece is pressed into place, try putting a heavy weight on the piece instead of a clamp.

It may be worth your time and effort to try ans separate those two pieces you glued up....maybe you can work a thin chisle or straight gouge in between and then pry them gently apart. That may just work if the contact cement hasn't been there too long. Like I said it's a flexible material and it may allow enough give to get thos boards apart. If you can, wash both glued sides with solvent, dry and reglue with carpenters glue.

You sure have yourself a predicament....good luck. Let us know how things work out.

Al

Thankyou for your reply Now you can pick me off the floor my legs whobled after reading this. What a mess I am in.. Bob

[Donsexton]

Man I am sorry to hear that. I don't have any tricks to help you but this should be a good lesson wood glue is best.

[midnightcarver]

agree! Wood glue is the best. Oh and don't get me started on the Home Depot staff. They are not really experts. ( I'm generalizing here I know) I find woodcraft people much more knowledgeable about stuff, and if they don't know they will refer you tosomeone who does. as far as the glue problem. Looks like you have some good advice. Chris Pye has talked about this problem quite a bit in his books and various articles he has done for the carving magazines he writes for. IT HAPPENS TO EVERYONE so don't feel bad...just take a deep breath and figure it out as best you can. I have had to glue on antlers after they snapped off ( poor design on my part) , fill huge cracks, even had to remove rotted wood after carving 75% and filling it with bondo! ( how's that for crazy!) In the end, no one could tell unless I told them about the flaw. Good luck! I have confidence in you.

[Josef]

YIKES!!!! Nothing I can tell you that hasn't been said already. I feel for you buddy. Don't give up.As posted earlier, I would be trying to pry apart the pieces to reglue them before going any further though. If you don't, the same thing may happen again and then you might really be tempted to throw the towel in. Good luck and show us some pics. Joe.

[jimmy joe]

Bob , sorry to hear it . Pulling apart , cleaning , and new carpenters glue may do it as they have said . I hope you have some luck with it . Let us know how you made out .

[bob nelson]

Originally Posted by Donsexton

Man I am sorry to hear that. I don't have any tricks to help you but this should be a good lesson wood glue is best.

Thankyou for your reply
Bob