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I jointed my first Engelmann spruce top with HHG. It's a beautifull white semi-translucent wood. But, unfortunately, I can barely see the joint glue line. It looks like a very tiny gold thread, more evident when back lit. I went back to lmii website where I read this:

"It’s also a top wood that is better to glue up a little thicker than normal as the glue line can be more apparent with Engelmann than other top woods"

Glue up thicker? How does this help?

I think what they meant is, it is better to have too much glue in the joint and allow it squeeze out than to have staved the joint.

Maybe because you can apply a bit more pressure when clamping??? I don't know, just guessing...

However, when properly jointed and candled, you shouldn't be able to see the joint at all and you shouldn't have to exert a lot of pressure to glue them up. Some guys here use tape!

Do you have a picture?

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

I have the exact same problem on my mandolin, and it was the wedge shaped thickness for a mando. I think it is just a reality of this type of wood. I think it just depends on the particular piece of engleman. My line is very noticeable!
Tracy

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

For what its worth, I am also doing an Engelmann top right now. I originally glued it up using fish glue, I could see the glue line, so I cut it in half and re-glued it using LMI white, its 100% better now. I keep trying other types of glue, but I keep going back to the LMI white. I have used that stuff for over 5 years and have never been let down.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

I agree with Lance, LMI white may be the best bet. I think the viscosity and color of HHG may make it hard to get an invisable glue joint with Engelmann. I have never used Engelmann but I know Pear wood is like that. When I use it in furniture the joint has to be perfect and even then sometimes I have to thin the white glue a little to get an invisable joint.

                Paul

Same here.... I just did an Englemann from AC woods and the glue line is bot that visible! Used LMI white too!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Does the line start to fade when you add finish? If you are using high clarity hide glue then once you put your finish on the top you might not see that line. You could wipe on some shellac or lacquer thinner and see what you will see under finish.

Shane

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Canada

My current build is Englemann also . I think that because Englemann has typically got so much run out ,it becomes more noticeable .

Unlike Sitka , I'm told Englemann can't easily be split for top sets .Tends to grow in a cork screw fashion . I'm sure our experts like Shane could comment further.


Craig LawrenceKiwiCraig39029.2627546296

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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I think Englemann is a great top wood because its color and grain are so
even and its acoustic properties are fairly predictable. I've used it on
several guitars and maybe I've just been lucky. I joint on an old 24"
wooden plane and glue with Titebond. The problem I have is I can never
find the glue line afterwards to find the center. Some top woods (not
usually Englemann, though) that have a more pronounced grain will stand
out where 2 dark grain lines are glued together. If the HHG glueline is
showing, maybe you're not getting enough clamping pressure on it or
maybe the glue is gelling a little before final clamping pressure is
achieved. Just some thoughts.
Craig S.

I use both jointer and handplane, depending on the wood and the jointing problem, both are tuned, honed, very sharp.

It's entirely possible I jointed this one badly, candling can sometimes be tricky. That's the question I'm trying to answer, did I joint it badly or is there another problem. Here is my best attempt at a close-up picture. I'm going to try Shane's suggestion and do some spot finish, see if it stays.



Marc39029.6305902778

To me, it looks like you have put two grain lines together, making it look like one very thick one.

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Aoibeann

[QUOTE=Aoibeann] To me, it looks like you have put two grain lines together, making it look like one very thick one.[/QUOTE]

Could be, I'll have to get my loupe and take another look.