Official Luthiers Forum!

a good choice as a thickener for the middle layer?

I think so, it looks similar to the silica I use that I got from Lee Valley.

_________________
David White, Toronto

"All my favourite singers can't sing."

[QUOTE=Hesh] would this silica thickener, of course with a respirator on while working with it, be a good choice as a thickener for the middle layer?[/QUOTE]

Colloidal silica works well as an additive for bonding, but is tough on tools- not really an issue for FB gluing. The other choice recommended by WEST for general bonding/lamination is microfibers- milled cotton fibers.

Hesh- if you pm me your mailing info, I can send you some microfibers in an envelope- something to keep Homeland Security busy in the New Year...

Cheers
John

_________________
Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Anyone happen to know whether the West System 101-T will reset after heating? (Back to the neck straightening question above)
Thanks
Nelson

Epoxies do not release with heat and then reset. They are thermosetting resins, not thermoplastic.   Any heat that will soften them to the point of release or movement is likely to destroy the adhesive qualities of the glue line.    If you're trying to heat bend a neck, don't count on slipping the glue joint. At best you'll be able to kind of bend the wood itself.

Google this stuff if you really want the skinny.   Try "termosetting vs. thermoplastic" for instance.

The 205 hardener will go amber pretty quick, but if you have the luxury of time and can use the 206 hardener (slow cure) it dries clear.

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

How much thickener do you put in? Is it measured or do you just do it to a certain consistancy?

If it is by feel, what is the viscosity similar to when it is a good mix?

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

I just put it in until it reaches a certain viscosity. For something like a fingerboard joint I will typically stop somewhere between catsup and mayonnaise. Probably closer to the catsup.



It's wild when you first actually mix it. You add what seems like a surprisingly large amount before you start to see any significant change in viscosity. It seems as though the filler is just being absorbed in to some void or space in between the liquid molecules of epoxy. It just seems to take much more filler powder than I would expect to increase the viscosity, though I've never measured volume or weight.

_________________
Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Thanks David.

Does it change the opacity of the epoxy when you mix in the filler?

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com