bonding teak

[Guest]

Anyone know of a good expoy for bonding my teak companionway slats together? I need to first bond a broken one back together, then bond two together (with a teak backing plate and wood screws) so as to cut the number of slats from 5 to 3. What works?

 

[Steve Dion]

Why use epoxy

Why not use a wood glue. There are glues that are used for bonding wood together. There is no need to use backing plates and screws to connect the boards. If you can find someone with a biscut joiner and some of the super wood glue you will have a great looking job and no one will be able to tell what you did.If you cannot find someone to help you out, just go to a cabinet shop. They can probably do it for you cheaply.

 

[Steve Cook]

I agree 100%

As a custom cabinet maker/wood worker for the last 22 years, I could not agree more with the last post.You can find a *very good* water proof wood glue at Home Depot that will give you great results. You can even rent a plate/biscut joiner from Home Depot.Be sure to use clamps.Let me know if you need any other help with this project.Steve,s/v The OdysseyH310

 

[Sam Lust]

Bonding / Gluing

Teak and mahogany are both oily woods which is one of the characteristics that make the excelent on boats. This also makes them tough to bond for any length of time. Plain and simple epoxy works. When done properly you'll be able to leave it out in the sun, rain and salt for years without debonding. Get the West system manual.The other possability you might want to try is polyurethane glue. It is a formula similar to the insulating filler foams. You spread the thick goo on the piece, clamp, and watch as the stuff oozes and foams out. You can unclamp and work it after an hour. 100 percent waterproof also.Having used all three, for a repair such as you discribe I'd use the waterproof polyurethane type.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Clean it first

I completely agree with the previous posts. However, I have always found it mandatory to wash both joint surfaces with acetone before gluing to remove the natural oils in the wood. The joint will then be stronger than the parent wood.Regards,s/v Island Hunter

 

[Guest]

thanks for all of the advice -- here goes!