Titebond

[turnertj]

Hey all...

When you're using titebond, which version are you guys using?
a. The standard red bottle
b. Titebond II - extend
c. The waterproof titebond III

Thanks!

[johnnparchem]

I use A original when i use it. I am not sure why except I asked the same question when I started.

I now use LMI instrument makers glue.

[turnertj]

Thanks John...

What's the advantage of the LMI variety?

[Ben-Had]

Original. I got free samples of the others but haven't even tried them.

[johnnparchem]

Thanks John...

What's the advantage of the LMI variety?

It set up a little faster (still plenty of working time) also it drys relitivly clear and hard. I made two guitaars with original and it was fine as well.

[tippie53]

agree original is what you want for guitars .

[Oval Soundhole]

original is the only one you should use for guitars.

#2 has no uses

#3 should only be used for gluing purfling due to heat resistance.

[Darryl Young]

FYI, the LMI glue seems to be a nice product. Some folks have had problems with it that seem to be related to either a bad batch or old glue. Some folks think it goes bad quicker than AR glues........so it may be wise to throw away old glue and start new builds with a new bottle (if you are a slow builder like me).

Titebond Original is the classic AR glue suitable for guitar building.

[turnertj]

Thanks all...that was what I was looking for! Maybe I'll try the LMI glue next time, but I'll finish this first build with original titebond.

[Jim_H]

If you can find a fresh bottle of Extend, it has some purpose in situations where you need more time to setup for a glue up operation. The problem is, every bottle I've seen on a store shelf is past it's shelf life, and it way too sticky/gooey to use without thinning it.

I also use LMI white for most of my guitar stuff. I think the main advantage is the clear (as opposed to slightly yellow) glue lines. I've used it enough that I like the feel of it (I'm used to it), but I would have no problem building a guitar with 100% Titebond Original.

I have a couple of not-so-fresh bottles of regular titebond laying around that I use when making molds and such.

The one issue with LMI white is that it only comes in 8oz bottles and it has a relatively short shelf life compared to Titebond and other wood glues. It keeps longer if you keep it refrigerated, but I have yet to get to the bottom of a bottle without having to toss it. You have to keep an eye (nose) on the LMI glue. If it starts to smell sour, toss it (or save it for non-guitar related things).

Titebond also has a 'best before' date. You have to decode the stamp on the side of the bottle.

Here is how you decode the new stamps (if you have an older format, toss your glue)

The first digit represents A for America (made in), the second digit is the last digit of the year of manufacture, the third and fourth digits
represent the month, the fifth and sixth digits represent the day of the month and the last four digits represent the lot number.

The bottle I'm holding in my hand has a code "A108080090". This bottle was manufactured in America on Aug(08) 08, 2011 and has a lot# of 0090

According to Franklin, Titebond has a shelf life of 12 months.
http://www.titebond.com/product.aspx?id ... 84acc71207

I've taken to buying the 4oz bottles so it stays fresh. I wish LMI would sell their white glue in 4oz bottles. :)

Tech info from the Titebond website

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Type: Aliphatic resin emulsion

Calculated VOC: 10.7 g/L

State: Liquid

Weight/gallon: 9.2 lbs.

Color: Yellow

Chalk temperature: * Approximately 50°F.

Dried Film: Translucent

Flashpoint: > 200°F.Solids : 46%Freeze/thaw stability :

StableViscosity: 3,200 cpspH : 4.0

Storage life: 12 months in tightly closed containers at 75°F

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Application Temperature:: Above 50°F.

Open assembly time: 5 minutes (70°F./50%RH)

Total assembly time: 10-15 minutes (70°F./50%RH)

Minimum required spread: Approximately 6 mils or 250 square feet per gallon

Required clamping pressure: 100-150 psi for softwoods, 125-175 psi for medium woods, and 175-250 psi for hardwoods

Method of Application: Plastic bottles for fine applications; glue may also be spread with a roller spreader or brush.

Cleanup: Damp cloth while glue is wet. Scrape off and sand dried excess