I know this isn't a very popular subject, as epoxy is the accepted "go-to" glue (and sealer) these days, but it is my intent to go a little more "old school." Can't seem to explain it very well, and have given up trying to, but it is what fascinates me right now. I hope someone who has used Weldwood will chime in here.
Looks to me like some of the discussions I've read on Weldwood, mostly on other forums I have to say, were flawed because they often discussed problems with it without taking into account that there are several different versions of Weldwood. The one currently found in most stores, especially the big-box places is a neoprene-based contact cement. It's the least water resistant in the group and is an "instant-grab" glue. Kind of hard to make adjustments once the two pieces have made contact. This one is in a red & black can.
The labeled as a marine version looks to be the same stuff that marine plywood is bonded with. Green & white can. The most water resistant of the lot, but it requires much more bonding pressure than it practical for building small boats. Pretty pricey, too.
The one I now think is the right one is Weldwood Plastic Resin Glue, in the white & tan tub. This one falls in between the the other two as far as being water proof, doesn't require nearly the clamping pressure as the Marine version, and it matches the description (a tan material, with a urea formaldehyde formulation,) that I've read about in older boat building books.
I'd like confirmation on what I think I know. Or a correction if I got it wrong yet again.
Also, I'm not sure just how much I'll need. Price isn't an issue, but if I buy too much, it's rather short shelf life might make whatever's left over useless on the next build. Keith's 12ft Swamp Pirogue plans specifies Weldwood, but not the amount. It comes in both a 1 lb and a 4 /2 pound tub. From Jamestown Distributors, that would be $8.99 and $29.01 for the respective sizes. Maybe two of the 1lb tubs?
Still planing on using epoxy for the scarf joints in the ply, unless an experienced builder can recommend using the Weldwood for that too. Won't need a scarf for the rails or chines, as I got with the local cypress mill and they can supply the full length pieces I'll need. And I do know that my joinery will have to be good and tight, as I won't be depending on thickened glue to make up for leaving any gaps.
Still planing on two, back to back builds. One being Keith's Swamp Pirogue plan, the other a version of Keith and Seedtick's Marsh Pirogue. Still trying to decide on making them both 12ft, might build the swamp style per plan and then decide if I should bring the marsh pirogue up to 14ft or not. And I have to admit I have considered adding 2ft to the middle of Keith's plan, but that comes mighty close to sacrilege somehow.
The motivation here is that my 170lb weight would be just fine in either design at 12ft, but the other potential "captain" or sometimes "crew," is a bit weightier at maybe 240lbs. (Of course, I am NOT necessarily talking about my, or any other's wife here! That would be wrong. . .)
Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL
Looks to me like some of the discussions I've read on Weldwood, mostly on other forums I have to say, were flawed because they often discussed problems with it without taking into account that there are several different versions of Weldwood. The one currently found in most stores, especially the big-box places is a neoprene-based contact cement. It's the least water resistant in the group and is an "instant-grab" glue. Kind of hard to make adjustments once the two pieces have made contact. This one is in a red & black can.
The labeled as a marine version looks to be the same stuff that marine plywood is bonded with. Green & white can. The most water resistant of the lot, but it requires much more bonding pressure than it practical for building small boats. Pretty pricey, too.
The one I now think is the right one is Weldwood Plastic Resin Glue, in the white & tan tub. This one falls in between the the other two as far as being water proof, doesn't require nearly the clamping pressure as the Marine version, and it matches the description (a tan material, with a urea formaldehyde formulation,) that I've read about in older boat building books.
I'd like confirmation on what I think I know. Or a correction if I got it wrong yet again.
Also, I'm not sure just how much I'll need. Price isn't an issue, but if I buy too much, it's rather short shelf life might make whatever's left over useless on the next build. Keith's 12ft Swamp Pirogue plans specifies Weldwood, but not the amount. It comes in both a 1 lb and a 4 /2 pound tub. From Jamestown Distributors, that would be $8.99 and $29.01 for the respective sizes. Maybe two of the 1lb tubs?
Still planing on using epoxy for the scarf joints in the ply, unless an experienced builder can recommend using the Weldwood for that too. Won't need a scarf for the rails or chines, as I got with the local cypress mill and they can supply the full length pieces I'll need. And I do know that my joinery will have to be good and tight, as I won't be depending on thickened glue to make up for leaving any gaps.
Still planing on two, back to back builds. One being Keith's Swamp Pirogue plan, the other a version of Keith and Seedtick's Marsh Pirogue. Still trying to decide on making them both 12ft, might build the swamp style per plan and then decide if I should bring the marsh pirogue up to 14ft or not. And I have to admit I have considered adding 2ft to the middle of Keith's plan, but that comes mighty close to sacrilege somehow.
The motivation here is that my 170lb weight would be just fine in either design at 12ft, but the other potential "captain" or sometimes "crew," is a bit weightier at maybe 240lbs. (Of course, I am NOT necessarily talking about my, or any other's wife here! That would be wrong. . .)
Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL
