Urethane glues - info

[twilson@motionwear.net]

Finally a subject I know something about! Polyurethane glues (common trade name of a good one is Gorilla Glue) are excellent in applications where there is or will be moisture. They are essentially activated to cure by moisture. It's important to not use too much glue - it expands as it dries. It's critical for joints to be clamped or fastened tight together with fasteners as the glue cures; otherwise it will force the joint apart. The excess glue does "foam up" at the joint, and it's easily cleaned off with a sharp blade or rasp after fully curing (or you can cut it off after it's tacky and before setting fully). Remember that the foam part, while hard, has no adhesive holding strength. The glue readily cleans up with alcohol (denatured, not the drinkin' kind), and it's best to apply it with a small brush (such as an acid brush). I usually pour a small amount of glue in a small container and use the brush to dip from this. Activation of glue and better tensile strength can be accomplished by lightly wetting one surface of the joint before assembly. I usually dampen one side with a wet paper towel, then coat both mating surfaces lightly with the glue, assemble, and clamp. Gorilla Glue has a good web site http://www.gorillaglue.com/ My last large use was for 2 bedroom suites - before that it was the 32 cherry doors for my home. I'm used to and like this glue better than most others I've found. If I were repairing/rebuilding a tub, it's what I would use. Tom Wilson TC0272

[Frank O_ The Mountain]

Gents, I think we've over this ground before (to glue or not to glue)...now this job is not something that I've ever tackled but I recall that the factory did not use glue. One thing I do know is that when you drive a TA/TC the boldy flexes considerably and if you glue the joints especially with a urethane, something is going to give, either the joint or the stick. I just did a quick review of Sherrell and could find no mention of glue. Jack Stehr has been through the tub rebuild as has others. What say you with experience? Did you Glue?? Terry

[Emgeeguy@aol.com]

I rebuilt my TC tub completely--all new wood-- and didn't use, or felt I had to use, glue at any of the joints. Make the joints right, use the correct screws. I don't see the need for glue. I don't think the factory used any glue. Larry Long

[Bill Harkins]

I just did a quick review of Sherrell and could find no mention of glue. Jack Stehr has been through the tub rebuild as has others. What say you with experience? Did you Glue?? The School of Flexure is right. Glue should be used only for sniffing while screwing the tub together as originally done! Bill Harkins Fallbrook, CA