Hypothetical idea about a cleat.

[rgarcia26]

Just a though.. Lets suppose I do place a 1/8" thick cleat in hot water.. It will swell and it will be flexible…right???
Then I place it in a DB top.. As the cleat dry out it will shrink. Its this can be a good idea?

[Cody Sisk]

What end result are you looking for with this procedure?

[rgarcia26]

Originally Posted by DallasStrings

What end result are you looking for with this procedure?

The shrinking of a cleat may get a tighter fit on a crack, a flexible cleat can adjust better to a round surface. It's just an idea. What do u think?

[rgarcia26]

A soaked cleat will shrink as it dries tightening the crack. At the same time it be more flexible adjusting better to a round surface... Just an idea? Do u think can work?

[rgarcia26]

Double reply

[Schoolhouse]

It won't stick if you glue it wet.

[rgarcia26]

Originally Posted by Schoolhouse

It won't stick if you glue it wet.

Right... Well thats say it all....

[Cody Sisk]

The problem with that I see is the cleat will only pinch it together in the back but split it open a bit on the top varnished side. I've had the best success in figuring out how to clamp the crack together properly and cutting the cleat to match the contour of the wood.

The best way I've found to properly clamp a crack is in the pic below. These clamps can be made from pvc pipe and are anchored with temporary cleats on either side of the crack. Alternate these with clamped cleats (as shown) and the crack should close nicely.

www.stringrepair.com

[rgarcia26]

Originally Posted by DallasStrings

The problem with that I see is the cleat will only pinch it together in the back but split it open a bit on the top varnished side. I've had the best success in figuring out how to clamp the crack together properly and cutting the cleat to match the contour of the wood.

The best way I've found to properly clamp a crack is in the pic below. These clamps can be made from pvc pipe and are anchored with temporary cleats on either side of the crack. Alternate these with clamped cleats (as shown) and the crack should close nicely.

www.stringrepair.com

U are right I use those clamps to close cracks big clamps from edge to edge may be a good idea too, but I though that a shrinking cleat could be a nice thing to have .

[uprightben]

Your idea, besides the wetness/glue can't dry problem, would rely on tension which would make it more apt to fail. In general, we like to fit glue joints so perfectly that they come together without any persuasion. This way there is no force trying to break the glue joint, and if any force should develop it will be added to nothing, giving the joint a smaller chance of failure. I also feel that good, tight jointery that doesn't need tension to bring it together is one of the more important factors in creating a good sounding instrument. If there is no tension glued into the structure then it will be able to respond to the strings more freely.