Trying to avoid toxic contact cement

moondaddy · Post by **moondaddy** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 3:04 am

This question actually relates to work being done on a clarinet but maybe could also apply to a wooden flute so here goes:
I'm replacing tenon corks but everyone uses contact cement which has chemicals I am highly sensitive to. Is there any non-toxic alternative to getting cork to stick to a plastic or wood tenon? I prefer to use real cork and cut my own so those self stick ones I'm not too interested in. Hide glue has been suggested but prefer not to use the animal products. Thanks.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:26 am

Well, the old/traditional way to apply new cork to a tenon is to use a shellac-type glue stick. The shellac is heated and melted to adhere the cork to a wood or metal tenon. However, this may not be a good option for plastic tenons.

Here's a link where you can download a description of the process:
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.php?c ... Joints.pdf

moondaddy · Post by **moondaddy** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 3:40 pm

Thanks. So shellac won't stick to plastic tenons?

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 4:01 pm

It may work, but it doesn't stick to plastic as well as contact cement. There are different types of "plastic". For some it might work OK but others, maybe not. There's also a chance that if you get the shellac too hot, excess heat can damage or distort a plastic tenon.

ick27 · Post by **ick27** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 4:18 pm

Which chemicals do you have reactions to?

moondaddy · Post by **moondaddy** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:43 am

Solvents, petroleum derivatives, hexane, toluene, pretty much anything that says flammable or has a warning on it, super glues, methly alcohol. There is one solvent I can use and that is grain alcohol AKA Everclear 190 proof.

nasxxx · Post by **nasxxx** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:30 am

Sure you can't use gloves and use the cement as long as there is no skin contact you should be ok <shrug>

moondaddy · Post by **moondaddy** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:33 am

I wish that was the only problem. Unfortunately the fumes are what really get you and a filter mask will not cut it.

I've found a non toxic contact cement though. Any comments on it?
http://www.joggles.com/store/catalog/pr ... ts_id=2277

festertoe · Post by **festertoe** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:43 pm

Regular contact cement is nasty stuff. I suggest you get the water-soluble variety. I have used it, and it looks and works just like regular contact cement, only no fumes.

moondaddy · Post by **moondaddy** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 1:40 am

Can you give me a brand name on that?