Gluing ebony and cocobolo

[mmgrode]

Going to be gluing up some BBOs in the coming weeks and was curious what you're opinion is on gluing up cocobolo and ebony.  I've heard some guys swear by cleaning with acetone and others claim it pulls more oil to the surface, inhibiting glue absorption.  Any advice?  

Thanks, Matt

[jsweka]

I don't know.  Like you said some guys say to clean with acetone, some say not too.  I've made a couple bows with cocobolo an bacote in the risr.  I wiped them down with acetone.  I can feel the oil on the surface, but I don't after wiping down good with acetone.  So far I haven't had any glue failures.

[D]

I always wipe down cocobolo with acetone.  I pretty much wipe down everything that gets glue on it with acetone.  Just gotta wait a little bit for it all to evaporate out.

[johnny girardi]

I think a good course grind 36 grit or 40 grit.then brush off glue surface is good enough. clean surface. acetone is ok not a must.when using smooth on or epoxy the squeeze out will take on color of cocobolo and ebony I always felt this is good sign. never had failure I can think of.

[jess stuart]

I have done it both ways never a problem.  I do strongly agree with the rough surface grind.  I am still on the fence about the acetone.

[Dmaxshawn]

Originally posted by jess stuart:
I have done it both ways never a problem.  I do strongly agree with the rough surface grind.  I am still on the fence about the acetone.

Exactly what Jess said.  I 36 grit it and glue.

[Crooked Stic]

Never used acetone. no failures. And yes a ruffed up glue surface. Also give your wood time to climatize to your area. Be sure it is dry enough. I have glued up too soon after getting new wood to some I already had in stock--two different MCs. Just dont assume it is dry check it first.