Talking of cold workshops ....

[tusses]

what temps would you all recommend for glue up and finishing ?

I keep the shop warm when I am there, with the log burner, but I wonder about 1st thing and last thing when its cold'er'

I usually warm the place up before starting just to be safe

[paulchapman]

I would say as near normal room temperature as you can get it (which isn't always possible, of course). And be careful what you store in the workshop overnight and at weekends - stuff with water in it, like PVA, goes off at less than 5 degrees and you have to throw it away

Cheers

Paul

[dunbarhamlin]

For scotch glue, Hot Hot Hot or maybe a bit warmer than that - apron, shorts, boots and spectacles only.
For modern glue, I don't worry about it, since I work in the house.

[thebloke]

Dec 11, 2008 12:06:24 GMT dunbarhamlin said:

..... and spectacles only.

Steve - depends also if you can see out of 'em ;D ;D - Rob

[dunbarhamlin]

Dec 11, 2008 14:32:24 GMT thebloke said:

Dec 11, 2008 12:06:24 GMT dunbarhamlin said:

..... and spectacles only.

Steve - depends also if you can see out of 'em ;D ;D - Rob

Dammit contemplating a visit to the optician this month. ;D
At least they keep oxtail soup out.

[promhandicam]

when I'm working I try and keep above 50C as this is the minimum temp for the glue (titebond) that I use. Just bought a superser catalytic calor gas heater which seems to be pretty effective at getting the temp up - will have to wait and see what the running costs are but according to the spec, on the low setting a 15kg bottle should last for over 200 hours. At the moment I guess I run it for 3 hours a day so it should last for a couple of months. Not sure how much a refill is as I got a couple of full bottles for £20 each off ebay.

Steve

[tusses]

but will the bond / finish be compromised if you work at the correct temp - then leave it to cure / dry overnight when it gets cold ?

[jfc]

Yes . Best thing i have found is to chuck a couple of dust sheets over any thing glued up on a cold night . If you wrap the work the cold doesnt get into the joints and freeze the thingies that do stuff . ;D

[jonnyd]

Another option is to get an old double bed electric blanket and wrap it over the work.

[chippy]

Dec 11, 2008 10:58:23 GMT paulchapman said:

I would say as near normal room temperature as you can get it...

What temperature is room temperature incidentally? Arent all rooms at room temperature? ;D

[paulchapman]

;D

[frank]

steve dont use a gas heater all your tools will start to rust .the gas produces water vapour . frank

[Stree]

Gas is fine if you have the cubic metrage to cope with it. and a workshop thats a bit drafty, or has the door/s open and closed fairly often.
But its not worth it in a small workshop....
Insulate first, and keep glue ups on the bench, above 18" is safe line ( ?) for ground frost so should be OK there if no drafts.
and yes, an old blanket, duvet, cardboard, is better than no cover. and glue up earlier with a fast setting glue.

[jfc]

I agree with Stree there , its the ground frost . Ive just sprayed a window and covered it with a dust sheet so the paint goes off ;D

[tusses]

well I've 'borrowed' the min/max thermometer out the greenhouse for tonight, so I can see what goes on in the shop when I'm not looking ;D

gonna be a cold one too

does anyone take any special precautions with their glue/finish 'store' ?

[jonnyd]

You have to be carefull with PVAs and Waterborne finishes to protect them from frost. I keep them in my office (junk room) in an old filing cabinet.

[sainty]

I had ice in my kettle this morning! I think i might need to replace the PVA that I left out.


rgds


Stu

[tusses]

I was reading a blog on homebuilt planes the other day. The chap was recommending to glue up 3 sets of test blocks and date them. 24 48 and 72 hrs later you break them apart. if the glue holds and the wood breaks, then all is good. if not, you redo everything you did on that date with a new batch of glue.

I guess it kinda matters that the wings stay on up there

but maybe the same principle could hold for our shops ? or even just to save chucking glue out that maybe ok ?

[engineerone]

is this not the right time to consider how pva glues work, and what actually goes on, then we might understand the temperatures we need to work within.

has anyone warmed up the parts of the joint to see whether that makes any difference.

paul

[jfc]

If you warm up the glue then thats just as bad as letting it freeze .
Just cover it over and dont let it freeze , simple.

[tusses]

well, it went down to 1 in the night. Near the floor by my paint/glue shelves, so I think I'll bring the PVA and water based stuff up a shelf or two !

[paulchapman]

If you look at what it says on most bottles of PVA, it usually tells you not to store or use it below about 5 degrees. I keep mine in one of the kitchen cupboards (much to my wife's annoyance ;D)

Cheers

Paul

[woodyew]

Dec 12, 2008 8:48:06 GMT paulchapman said:

I keep mine in one of the kitchen cupboards (much to my wife's annoyance ;D)

Top man, keep up the good work. ;D