Tolex Glue ... what do you use?

[Kregg]

I did a test on my sacrificial amp cradle; which turned out nicer than I expected for a first run. Though the Tolex glue I used (from Mojo) worked great on large flat surfaces, it sucked on corners and edges.

Now, I'm moving along on my combo Tolex project. So I decided to use a heavy duty contact cement. It seems to be holding up fine.

If any of you have other suggestions for Tolex glues I'd appreciate hearing product recommendations and tips that you wish to share.

Thank You,
CW

[rfgordon]

I use the glue from CE Dist--but it comes in the same plastic bottle as the Mojo glue, so I think it's the same.

I will say that it helps to put it on thick with a bristle brush and to let it dry at least an hour before mating the surfaces. Also, regular pine plywood doesn't like this glue, because of the release agent on the surface of the plywood (regular pine ply is laid up in stacks for pressing, and the spacers are kept from sticking to the hot wood with a release agent).

Really porous wood surfaces need two coats of glue, as do some tolexes, depending on the thickness of the fabric backing.

[Ron Worley]

I use the same glue, but have not had the same issues- I mate it after about 5 minutes with great adhesion (sp?)....

[Kregg]

I just ordered a quart of Tolex adhesive from tubes & more. The one I received from Mojo came in a can. Maybe they're buying it in drums and watering it down? That may account for the thinness as well as the slow drying times.

[FunkyE9th]

I use the tolex glue from tubes & more also. It's the only one I've used. So I can't really speak on other stuff. So far, I've only used it on birch ply. I've been very happy with it. I usually wait 15 to 20 minutes, but I use a heat gun to speed things up. What I like best about it is that is does not stink.

[Kregg]

I was going to use Better Bond Tolex Adhesive. But, Joe at Veneer Supplies just told me that the product has been on order since November; according to Joe the factor has gone bankrupt.

[billyz]

I guess I am an old fart. I use Animal glue. Sam Hutton told me what Fender used and how he did it when he worked for them. I have tried a lot of different adhesives and animal glue is what works the best for me. A friend of mine uses an old electric skillet to heat his up so you don't even have to buy the expensive hot pot. It does not let go like quite a few of the contact adhesives . And it cleans up with water.

[Ron Worley]

BTW, CE Distribution is the wholesale arm of Antique Electronics (tubesandmore.com)

I agree Hide glue is probably best, but it's smelly and a pain if you don't have a hotpot of some sort... the Old Lady sure as hell wouldn't allow it on the kitchen stove

[Reeltarded]

Hide glue.

Large Gerber bottle, standing in a 2 inch tall can that is 3/4 full of water, on a single burner electric travel cooking thing. Don't burn the glue. Don't even get near a boil. 135 to 140 degrees.

You may think I am joking... horse sticks good, but rabbit is better and has a much sweeter taste. hahaha

No, really.

Mmmm

[Aurora]

Hi Gyus...

Are the different contact glues you refer to solvent or water based?
Over here I get both...we use water based for gluing styrofoam aot...

[ClassicRocker]

I've had experience gluing Tolex on custom cases I've built for various equipment, and the corners are a challenge ... not only that, over time, it only takes a snag to start the deterioration of the whole Tolex covering.

My solution: For my Express build, I'm going to have my amp cabinet covered in truck bed liner material.

[dave g]

A couple years ago I discovered DAP water-based contact cement. No smell and works amazingly well! I have had worries about the wood swelling, but so far nothing of that sort has happened.

[Kregg]

Update: Based on the descriptions given by those who use Tolex adhesives, I was able to ascertain that the glue Mojo sold me was too watered down. I received a container of Tolex glue from Tubes & More and it went on without a problem. I couldn't believe how fast it dried and the edges didn't lift.

Thanks!
CW

[Scumback Speakers]

I use the tolex glue from CE Distribution (same as tubes and more). I started with a bare head cab this morning (sanded down an old 69 small box head cab yesterday), and I'm just waiting on the medium gold piping to staple on and finish it off tomorrow. There's a thread on the TGP covering the restoration process here: http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showth ... p?t=513613

[6G6]

I have always done just fine with Elmer's.