A question for you selfbowyers who splice billets. I have my first set of billets that I've cut in preparation to splice. First off, what are your glue recommendations? I believe URAC 185 is a popular choice, any other suggestions or pros and cons?
This leads me to my next question. I have a Nicholson #49 that I splurged on this last winter and it has probably become my favorite wood tool, its amazing the difference over the old "4 in 1" that I used before. This being said, I like to take good care of it, they aint cheap. How does a quality tool like this hold up while shaping the handle around the splice? Will URAC or others be hard on my precious steel?
I appreciate any advice, I don't post a lot but this site is an unbelievable resource and a constant inspiration.
Jared
I use a wire brush to clean up my rasps. IMHO, I would not think the Urac would be detremental to your rasp.
I use my #40 & #50 on Urac joints (usually along the glue line of wood laminated bows) with no problems. I've had the same pair for 5 or 6 years and would really have to look them over well to see any wear. Their biggest threat of damage is from my infernal and perpetual habit of dropping them on my concrete basement floor.
TBII and TBIII (Tite-Bond)works well for splices and backings. Urac is probably the best wood/wood glue out there. Depending on how well you cut your splices, some glues have better gap filling properties than others. Urac has good gap filling but the TB glues like tight, well fitted glue surfaces.
You shouldn't have any problems with your rasp and cured glues. Pat