Author Topic: Remarkable glue (Read 651 times)

Questor · « **on:** October 27, 2004, 04:29:14 AM »

Gorilla Glue or Elmers Ultimate Glue may have some gunsmithing applications. I can see using it in place of epoxy for some stock repairs. It's a tan polyester based glue that uses water as the catalyst. You dampen the surfaces you want to join, then glue them. The stuff expands to fill in cracks. It is waterproof, is still somewhat pliable when dry, and makes a very strong bond. I've used a mist sprayer to dampen the surfaces.

I'm not a gunsmith.

smoji · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2004, 05:07:26 PM »

Most of the characteristics of this type of glue are those not desirable for a good stock repair. The expanding characteristic is the least desirable since the expansion seems to continue indefinitely and interferes with the final finish by constantly protruding from the glue line.
Flexibility of the glue line is also not desirable. The joint should be at least as rigid as the wood being joined.
The tendency to foam can make it difficult to hold the joint accurately while waiting for the glue to set and cure.
I think it won't replace epoxy right away and look forward to reading additional discussion.

timbertoes · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2004, 05:27:48 AM »

Correct in that is not a superior glue. And it requires clamping for a strong joint.

It's real use is filling gaps, and edge joining, where some gaps would be present using wood glue. result of imprefect mating srufaces.

It has the advantage of being sandable at least more so than Wood glues and Epxoies. it can be stained, at least more so than wood glues.
Epoxies can be precolored.

It is not as strong as wood glue. standard yellow wood glue makes a joint stronger than the wood, at least most of the time :-)

It will set up in the bottle after a while, and become useless.

Epoxy's problem is lack of penetration of the grain/pores, ie you really need to use 2-hour types.

I have built a lot of furniture, and have used all types of glues, and the gorilla glue was only used once, and never desired to use it again.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2004, 07:20:06 AM »

I have to say the only times I used the poly glue was Gorilla brand and it was much less than a happy outcome. I use the slow set epoxys and even in high stress areas have had zero problems. I even thin the stuff and insert into cracks and use air pressure to force it completely thru the crack... Works great and is super strong..