John Guzzwell's Glue

Discussion in 'Materials' started by ChallengeBoatworks, Apr 11, 2025.

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  1. ChallengeBoatworks
    Joined: Jan 2025
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    ChallengeBoatworks Junior Member

    I keep seeing people mention that John Guzzwell was highly allergic epoxy, so he used some other type of glue for cold molding and wooden boatbuilding. Does anyone know what kind of glue he used? It seems like whatever it is has held well, at least with his 30 footer, Endangered Species. TIA
    https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1997-custom-30-performance-sloop-9632531/
     
    ChallengeBoatworks, Apr 11, 2025
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  2. skaraborgcraft
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    skaraborgcraft Senior Member

    I believe it was something similar to cascophen. Resorcinol Formaldehyde Adhesive . Used it on oily woods such as teak and oak.

    Cascophen | Aircraft Spruce
     
    skaraborgcraft, Apr 11, 2025
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  3. wet feet
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    wet feet Senior Member

    Cascophen and Aerodux are similar glues chemically,but from different makers.It is worth remembering that they are considered more durable than epoxy and are used to bond true marine plywood.
     
    wet feet, Apr 11, 2025
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  4. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    gonzo, Apr 13, 2025
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  5. Steve W
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    Steve W Senior Member

    We used to use lots of resorcinol back in the 1970's and i never had a problem with it but a workmate had his eyes swell closed any time he used it. It's a better wood adhesive than epoxy for laminating but required close fits, good clamping pressure and decent temperature. We always used epoxy for joints with end grain involved.
    I seem to remember that Guzzwell used a a glue from Borden but don't know the chemistry, i don't think it was resorcinol or UF.
     
    Steve W, Apr 14, 2025
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  6. skaraborgcraft
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    skaraborgcraft Senior Member

    skaraborgcraft, Apr 15, 2025
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  8. wet feet
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    wet feet Senior Member

    Cascamite isn't anything like as water resistant as Cascophen and really ought to be limited to interior joinery.It is urea-formaldehyde as opposed to resorcinol.
     
    wet feet, Apr 15, 2025
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