extending tack time for aliphatic glues

[gavin d baird]

anyone have a suggestion for extending the tack time for aliphatic glues? most are in the area of 3 to 5 minutes, I have a complex assy that requires some 20 clamps that have to be aligned before clamping...Regards..Gavin

[Ned Knepp]

Well, I don't know what you are building but I would worry that any thing that would extend the working time of the glue would compromise the holding power of the glue too.

If possible, glue up sub assemblies then do the final glue up. You may be able to glue/align/clamp as you go. Tack time isn't the same as drying time and once the parts are positioned properly with clamps at strategic points you have more time to fill in between with more clamps so you may not need so many clamps in place before the tack time is up.

Perhaps you can make some clamping caulds to spread the pressure of fewer initial clamps over the assembly until you have the alignment adjusted or you may need to rig a clamping jig that will help you with the alignment and clamping so you don't have to fumble with free clamps. This might seem like a lot of work but it beats having things setup on you before you finish getting it all aligned. This can also make a big difference if you need to apply pressure to push/pull something into position. A second set of hands can be very helpful too.

Ned

[gavin d baird]

Ned,
Thanks for your input...I didn't think there was areliable way to extend tack time but thought I would give it a try...Best regards..Gavin

[Frank Ford]

Me, I just add a bit of water. . .

[Russell Vance]

Gavin, hi, cabinet makers face the same situation regularly during carcass assembly with multiple shelves etc - invariably the glue-up will be problematical if attempted by oneself or with out a dedicated dry run. Suggest you find a competent friend to help and take the time to map out and practice your assemble steps so it flows well.

When applying yellow glue, start with applying glue to the long grain sections first, then do the end grain - the endgrain will suck into the wood faster than the long grain - use a glue roller for large sections and a brush for smaller section - other wize your fingers will get glue everywhere, especially if it goes pear shaped and you can't clean up in time.

Predampen your sections to be glued and let dry a bit - this opens up the grain, prepares and cleans the surface for glueing and also slows the absorption of the glue into the wood. Don't work the pieces together - IE: slide them back and forth together, as that will speed up the bond process and If you can, apply the glue liberally and accept a lot of sqeeze out rather than put on a thin coat which will 'tack' faster.

Thinning yellow glue with a dab of water is also an option for non structural loaded areas - you might also wish to 'size' your end-grain glueing by pre-applying a weak mix of yellow glue and water and letting it partially 'dry' before applying full strength glue.

Finally, call Franklin on their web numbers/Email. They are extremely helpful. Rusty.

[FRANK]

depends on weather heat humidity and many more factors brand and what not for clamping with aliphatic resin you have plenty of time to talk and visit on the phone while your clamping unlike hide glue 20 clamps when i lam my necks i take out like 30 or 40 clamps plenty of time to operate and even re clamp areas later in the process

[Jeff Highland]

Titebond Extend sounds like the answer for you
http://www.titebond.com/ProductLineTB.asp?prodcat=1&prodline=12