Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

[Darg1911]

Need some advice from the resident Luth's, guitar techs or those with experience ...

I have an inlay popping up in a Gibson LP Tribute. It was just a slightly raised edge, now the whole thing is loose at two edges. I'm confident I can pop it out in one piece. If I can, I'd rather do that and re-glue it than just use a thin superglue to wick down the edges. I've seen photos of Gibsons with the inlays out and what looks like a yellowish or greenish adhesive at the bottom of the inlay route. Does anyone know what that adhesive is?

That aside, I can use some advice. I plan to radius a small block of wood to the fretboard radius to use as a clamp. I assume I need to remove the old adhesive from the bottom of the inlay route first. But what is the best adhesive to use to re-glue the inlay? Epoxy maybe? Any general advice appreciated. Or, if consensus is that I'm going about this 100% wrong, I'll take it to the local Luth (eventually). Rather do it myself though, if possible. It will take me forever to get it downtown.

Thanks

 

[mxaniac]

Re: Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

I've been sucessfull using yellow aliphatic resin aka PVA or carpenter's glue. That doesn't mean a better option doesn't exist, it's just what I used. DAP and Titebond both make a good one.

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

I’d use CA glue. Wood glue doesn’t stick to inlays. You can also use epoxy, but don’t use quick set epoxy. It often swells at the seems.


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[Darg1911]

Re: Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

I’d use CA glue. Wood glue doesn’t stick to inlays. You can also use epoxy, but don’t use quick set epoxy. It often swells at the seems.


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Thanks David. I popped the inlay out, no problem. Gonna run up and get some Super Glue. I only have the gel and it's old.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

You could use this as an opportunity to test the Gibson warranty

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

You could use this as an opportunity to test the Gibson warranty

Yeah, I guess I could have. But it's in there. Have a feeling I should have used more glue. We'll see how long it stays. Hell, it may last forever. If not, I'll do it again.

 

[SAguitar]

Re: Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

Well done! That's probably the last time you'll have to deal with that one.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Hey Luthier's ... gluing an inlay

Don’t over think it. A couple drops of CA glue and press it back in