De-oiling lams for glue up

[matt g meyers]

Hey guys,
I'm getting ready to glue one up with bolivian rosewood lams,and smooth on.I just wondered what is better for cleaning, acetone or alcohol. I remember reading once that one of them mixed with the smooth on made for a nasty byproduct when cutting and sanding.??
Matt

[jess stuart]

I don't think I would use either if it were me.  I have successfully glued bocote which is oily without the acetone etc.  The solvent may bring more oil to the surface.

[jsweka]

If you ask 10 guys whether or not to clean with acetone before glue up, you'll get five that say to and five that say not to.

As for me - if it feels oily to the touch, I clean with acetone. I've recently made two bows with oily wood for the riser.  One was cocobola and the other was bacote.  I cleaned them both good with acetone before glue up and the smooth-on adhered well.  Now if I didn't clean with acetone, it may be just as likely that the smooth-on still would have still adhered like Jess said.

When it comes to this topic, I think you should just do what makes you feel more confident with your build.

[eflanders]

I agree with jsweka!  I've done both and have had good results.  Just use what you think is appropriate.