Koaloha ukulele workshop tour (and question)

[Rbee]

Hi everyone,
I found on YT this video and i was surprised by the method for gluing the bridge (visible at 13'45 ) :

They don't use a clamp? perhaps it's possible by using a glue hardener or something else?
Thanks for your advices,
Raphaël.

 

[yakka]

Did they say what glue, I found it a bit hard to hear.

 

[TheDudeAbides]

Also interested. I would have assumed hide glue or CA based on how long that took, but that bottle looked like white glue so I'm equally as confused. Hoping someone here knows

 

[SebastianF]

Good catch!

Here is my theory: The 3 white lines are white glue, coming from the white glue bottle standing on the table. What he has in his hands is probably a small syringe with superglue. In this shot, notice the clear looking lines left and right of the 3 white lines, close to the edge of the bridge? That is probably what he applied when the camera was approaching.

 

[TheDudeAbides]

Good catch!

Here is my theory: The 3 white lines are white glue, coming from the while glue bottle standing on the table. What he has in his hands is probably a small syringe with superglue. In this shot, notice the clear looking lines left and right of the 3 white lines, close to the edge of the bridge? That is probably what he applied when the camera was approaching.
View attachment 145334

So super glue as a clamp?

Not going to lie, that's ingenious if it works.

 

[SebastianF]

That is what I think.

I would be interested if anyone else uses this strategy, or opinions (vs traditional clamping)?

 

[lauburu]

I have used Titebond red with CA for about 5 years. It works fast and holds well. This method was suggested to me by someone who used to work for Benedetto so I assume they know what they're talking about. I don't have any empirical evidence regarding drying times or bond strength but so far so good
Miguel

 

[Rbee]

Thanks for your help and your experience.
It's ingenious

 

[Timbuck]

Is this what you mean ...

 

[merlin666]

Koaloha production is interesting. I was on the factory tour three times and there are always different details that are noticeable. For example it is interesting that they don't use a neck joint at all but just glue the heel on straight. This seems to work and my 22 year old KoAloha is still solid, but is this a common approach for ukes?

 

[lauburu]

Is this what you mean ...

Not quite, Ken. That's a bit more scientific than my method. I just spread out the Titebond as I normally would and then just put a drop of CA glue every couple of square inches before clamping. The CA seems to react with the water in the Titebond turning into a sticky gel which means I don't get the pieces sliding around during clamping. After a few minutes I could remove the clamps and proceed with the next process but I'm generally not that brave and leave it clamped for a couple of hours. So far, no failures.
Miguel