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PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 9:08 pm 
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Hey Folks,

Today I started a project with a big glue up. I use some shop made curved gluing cauls to ensure that the boards line up in the panel.

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It occurred to me that some folks may not have used these handy tools that anyone can make. I made mine out of some 2x4s ripped in half. I then created a curving taper to each end from the center using my joiner, stepping 1/16" three times. I then, dripped a generous amount of melted paraffin onto the curved surface, and ironed it in with an old steam iron (steam off). The paraffin keeps the caul from sticking to the glued assembly.

When the cauls are clamped onto the assembly, they bend, applying pressure along their length, and aligning the pieces. They're cheap, easy to build and use, and do a great job.

Cheers,
Tom

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PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 10:59 pm 
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Location: Sacramento, CA
So, I'm reading along going yeah, I've got a few cauls good idea to share ... not as big at 18" or so but functional ... and then I run across this nugget:

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I then, dripped a generous amount of melted paraffin onto the curved surface, and ironed it in with an old steam iron (steam off).


and :facepalm:
Brilliant!

To be fair, mine are covered in all manner of glue, shellac, poly, paint and who-knows-what to stick to anything anymore ...
but ironing wax into the surface?
That's fantastic ... must try it on the next set I make.

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PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 10:36 am 
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Location: Albuquerque NM
I've had good luck with just paste waxing items like cauls, though I suppose Tom's method will probably require re-doing less often than paste wax, at the expense of a little more effort when you do it.

As to dripping paraffin on the wood - I don't know how Tom does it, but you could do like skiers do and just melt the wax against the bottom of the iron and drip it on the wood. No double boiler needed. (Yes, double boiler - you really should never melt wax/paraffin directly on a stove and certainly not one with a flame.)


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PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2016 9:11 am 
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tms,

there is a fish on your door step,,,

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PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2016 10:24 am 
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I use a piece of wax paper to keep glue from sticking to something I don't want it to.
Zulu

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