Fretboard Divots

[Matt Haugen]

Well, I have never seen a neck as badly gouged as this one. I tried Frank's superglue and sawdust method and the result was pretty great. Special thanks to you Mr Frank Ford.

One word of caution.... Through this process when I would combine the rosewood dust and super glue a smoke would start to come from the wood. I got a bit in my eyes and it burned like heck. If you do this process, be sure to be in a well ventilated area and wear goggles.

[RETROROD]

I agree with the others. Really nice work. Thanks for the warnings also. We must stay safe....

[Peter Poyser]

Matt.

 It is almost incomprehensible to me that a Players touch can be so incredibly heavy as to cause such deep divots. Yes we've all seen the effect this kind of touch many times, but it still astounds me.

 I expect to see them eventually on Violin Family Instruments and Fretless Basses, but think that the application of a Sensitive Playing Technique, has been completely bypassed by some Players. I get this thought from certain peoples handshakes too.

What a Privilege and Joy then to see that such devastation can be so fully and brilliantly restored to health. As Kerry rightly points out. What would we do without Frank's sagacious guidance and deep generosity in the way he has so widely shared his knowledge and experience?

 

 

 

Quote: "Does anyone have information otherwise?"

 

 

 

The main thing to appreciate is that not all CA Glues are equal.

There are big differences in formulations utilised by different Companies and in different Products, so it's best to settle on a Specific Product you find suitably reliable for the application, and then go wade into the small print, and detail about that, learning all you can about that Specific Product.

There are also big differences in people like us, the ones that use these Products, we are not all the same, so what adversely effects one person badly might not effect another at all. But its best to take all wise precautions, and to my mind, Excellent Ventilation, especially having a Dedicated Extraction Area for all Dangerous Chemicals such as Solvents, is a Critical Key to avoiding problems with interacting with these and other Products.

Distilling everything down from Scientific White Papers, what appears at time to be conflicting evidence and statements from various respectable sources, it seems that a certain, but small percentage of individuals, approximately 5%, are likely to be adversely affected by certain formulations, whilst for others they will remain safe, and the Products considered so, by the respectable and responsible bodies either side of the Atlantic.

From a Scientific Paper. "Although there is not enough evidence to prove that CA is carcinogenic to humans, it can be toxic to the neurological system and respiratory system, as well as causing contact dermatitis and urticaria."  

In practical terms, for certain people, regular repeated exposure is likely to trigger the onset of allergic reactions, rather like that of Isocyanate Clearcoat. Whilst nominal and occasional use might make it appear o.k. I have personal experience of this effect.

For instance, I am allergic to Isocyanate Clearcoat, although I seemed to be O.K. with it for a considerable time. So I know that time, repeated exposure and sometimes additional factors can ultimately result in physical reactions and problems appearing, where none seem to be.

For Cyanoacrylate  Glue, Flu like Symptoms, Asthma, Irritated Skin and Allergic Reactions are the physical result for a small percentage of people, but many of these effects can avoided with the proper Extraction of Fumes from the Working Area, and this is where I would place the Focus of my Attention.

Moisture makes the Glue Cure which is why certain types of CA Glue can be used for certain Medical and Dental Applications. Which would suggest to people that it's all perfectly safe.

But the Glues like the people can differ to a greater or smaller degree, so the answer is it really all depends.

Take the Proper Precautions, and provide Good Fume Extraction and Ventilation.

 

 

 

A while back, whilst visiting a Factory, I encountered a worker carrying a Brand New Sprayers Air Fed Mask, although I knew he was not a Paint Sprayer from his overalls.

When I asked him about that, he said he was worried about the Effect of Fumes from the Chemicals he used. Now to be honest, working as he did in a Non Spraying Booth, but utilising a Huge Down Draught, into an Open Floor Extraction, measured and validated by Controllers many times per day from the Air Replacement Plant System, I knew he really had nothing to worry about at all.

 

 

 

But I didn't say that to him.

 

 

 

If he was worried about that issue, that's good enough reason to allow him to take the extra precautions. He is happy at his work, fully reassured that he is completely safe.

He always was safe, but I suppose in his mind, he has done all he can, to ensure that he is.

The guy that worked opposite him, uses no protection at all.

The Booth provides the Safety.

 

 

I guess what I am saying is if that anyone has Genuine Concerns about any Product they are using, its best for them personally, to take the Precautions they Feel Necessary.

There's nothing worse than having to do a job, whilst being deeply concerned that it might be adversely effecting ones health and well being.

Look Hard at your Ventilation and Extraction Systems, you may be able to easily fabricate a Wide Hood over the working area.

Better extraction behind and above the working area or something that is more ideal and safer than what you now have.

Don't think in Black and White Absolutes about this, think in terms of eliminating possibilities.

Always Work Safe in every way you can.

And Work Happy!

 

 

P