Hi All:

I have a friend who is building a custom guitar. He wants to make the body from (3) pieces of Vera wood that he has. He understands that due to the oily nature of this wood, it will not glue using conventional wood glue and procedures.

Does anybody have any advice or know of any products / resources that may help him bond these boards reliably?

TIA for any help.

Bob

Clean the surfaces to be joined just prior to applying the glue with a fast drying solvent like acetone or lacquer thinner, not paint thinner. Then glue up as you normally would.

I have never heard of Vera wood. What is it related to?

Why do people who seem to not know the basics of wood working always seem to choose difficult and exotic woods to use on their first builds? Is this some sort of conspiracy?

Greg N

you can also use a PolyUrethane like you would with things like Cocobolo. but always always always clean it first with acetone or lacquer thinner!

nelson: Vera wood is related to Iron Wood (Lignum Vitae). it's actually quite pretty (IMHO). colour ranges from a dusty light green to a dark green. very naturally waxy. tightly interlocking grain makes it hard to work but also very durable.

http://hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/verawood/verawood%2026%20bc%20s100%20q60%20web.htm

hope that helps.

Lignum Vitae? Wow, that will be one heavy bass! Perhaps some chambering is in order? Using a core of lighter wood and only capping with the Vera?

I love the look and feel of dense heavy woods but they come at a price! Believe me, I speak from experience. I built a Lacewood body with Cocobolo top and Brazilian Cherry neck and even with a bit of chambering wound up with a 14 pound monster. Great tone, and sustain all the way until Sunday, but you really need a strong back if you are going to play it for any period of time.

Greg N

Thanks for the advice. I'll pass this info along. I'm sure he'll appreciate the help.

A vera wood body is going to be extremely heavy.

Look for an epoxy formulated for use with tropical woods like teak and lignum vitae. Vera wood is very waxy.

I have heard recommendations for Smith & Co.'s products though I have never used it myself.

Is that the same Smith & Co. out of Richmond California? I know they make a penetrating epoxy sealer and a two part epoxy bondo like material, but are they making an epoxy glue now?

I think the penetrating sealer is a great product.

Greg N

i think i am making knobs of a very simalr wood (desert ironwood) i glued the faces with tight bond and small clamps. so far the peice is holding up. worrried though. didn't know that trick. will remember it.