Techniques for Gluing Brazilian Rosewood

Yellow Glue

• "Yellow glue" is the common name for aliphatic resin emulsion, also called "carpenter's glue." It has similar strength to PVA but more initial grip and less slip. New York picture-frame shop owner Jim Cummins used "yellow glue" to stick Brazilian rosewood to a tambour clock. He advises applying the glue to the surface being veneered, not the rosewood itself. Jim also suggests working with slightly oversized pieces, clamping and allowing each piece to dry then sanding the edges before applying the next piece.

Urea-based Glues

• Urea-based glues work well with oily veneers like rosewood and teak. Professional furniture maker and veneer expert Jonathan Benson is a fan of this type of glue. He suggests wiping the surface to be glued with a rag dipped in acetone before applying the glue, to remove most of the oily residue. Plastic resin glue is a ureaformaldehyde wood glue activated by mixing with water. Apply enough adhesive so that some squeezes out at the edges of the veneer when pressure is applied. Clean off the excess with water before the glue cures as it is very difficult to remove when hard.

Clamping

• Guitar maker Jim Williams is well aware of the appeal of Brazilian rosewood as a veneer. He suggests clamping using a strip of timber with a waxed edge to distribute pressure properly and make sure there is no adhesion between the veneer and the clamp.