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What is the best glue to use for holding an abalam inlay in place while you scribe around it? In the past when using solid shell inlays I would use white glue and heat the inlay with a soldering iron to remove it. But I've found that doesn't work with abalam.

HHG should work well. If for some reason that doesn't cut it for you, try CA then soak your finished work in a bath of Acetone to release it.

elmer's school glue.

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

Hey Guys,

I never use glue, just a few different methods.

1.) I use a small needle file or on larger inlays, a fingertip to hold the shell in place. I then trace with a silver metallic pencil with a "shaved" tip.

2.) On very delicate inlays,(think thin signatures), I verify my cut matches the pattern tightly, then use an inexpensive glue stick on the pattern and the wood to adhere in place.
Allow to dry for 5 minutes,then make a simple pass through the pattern, remove, and touch up. Just remember to account for the paper thickness during the initial route.

The paper pattern comes off cleanly with light scrping with a single edge blade.

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Paul Bordeaux
http://www.bordeauxinlay.com

I use Duco cement and release with alcohol.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I have tried the hold it in place idea like you do Paul, but I guess you have a steadier hand than I.
I always slip. The glue can be a pain though. I just lost a whole entire 3" wide pearl and stone Earth because the glue held it down to the corian so strong it wouldn't let it off. The theme is actually endangered species, and conservation, and I destroyed the Earth in one stupid move.
The good part is it looks a lot better now since I changed the materials I used as well.
I have been scribing lately with a scribe VS. an exact blade.   

This inlay should be done soon- pics to post I hope.

Craig L

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www.handcraftinlay.com

Thanks for the help guys!
The reason I can't use white glue or something is because I can't soak the headstock in water. I need a glue to hold the inlay on the headstock while I scribe around it. I may try that Duco cement and alcohol. Does anybody know how easy it is to break the glue joint with alcohol?

[QUOTE=Colby Horton] Thanks for the help guys!
The reason I can't use white glue or something is because I can't soak the headstock in water. I need a glue to hold the inlay on the headstock while I scribe around it. I may try that Duco cement and alcohol. Does anybody know how easy it is to break the glue joint with alcohol?[/QUOTE]

Acetone will breakdown Ducco in seconds

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.