A Miracle Product for Green Wood Turners: The Wonders of Cyanoacrylate Glue (CA)
When it comes to wood turning, Cyanoacrylate glue—commonly known as CA or Super Glue®—is nothing short of miraculous. This versatile adhesive is a game-changer for wood turners, offering a reliable means to bond cracks and secure pieces that might otherwise fall apart. From small cracks and large gaps to knots, pith, bark, and even intricate design inserts, CA can effectively hold everything together.
Caution: CA Sticks—Really Well!
First and foremost, it’s crucial to approach CA with caution. This adhesive binds quickly and tenaciously, so be mindful of where you apply it. It tends to stick almost anything together— chucks to spindles, jaws to chucks and fingers to everything —so keeping a debonder and acetone handy can save you from sticky situations.
Understanding CA Consistencies
CA comes in three main consistencies, each tailored for different applications:
1. Thin CA: Perfect for minor cracks that may expand, this fluid consistency seeps deep into wood fibers, making it ideal for filling knots, pitch, and bark. However, be cautious—it can flow into, and bond, your chuck, spindle, and jaws, creating a frustrating scenario that can be difficult to resolve.
2. Medium CA: This is your go-to for larger gaps that require some filling. You can mix sawdust into the medium CA to match the wood’s color. However, be sure to wear gloves; this prevents your fingers from becoming unwittingly bonded to your workpiece—or worse, covering your fingers in sawdust! If you get CA on your skin, use acetone or debonder for removal. Trust me—picking it off is not a good idea!
3. Thick CA: Ideal for adhering edges or other small to medium sections that might have come apart. It also serves as an excellent filler when combined with sawdust, providing both strength and aesthetics.
Quick Drying and Safety Precautions
Avoid turning your lathe while CA is still wet, as it can splatter and be hazardous—especially to your eyes. You can speed up the drying process with a CA accelerator spray, which may produce harmless white foam and some noxious fumes. Always ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area and protect yourself with a mask.
Taming the Smell
When heated, CA can emit unpleasant fumes, primarily due to the friction generated when turning. While the smell is temporary, using a proper mask and ventilating the area is essential for safe operation.
The Hard Truth About CA
CA is H-A-R-D. It’s not uncommon to feel the filled cracks during turning, as CA hardened areas can have a toughness similar to epoxy resin. To mitigate this, ensure your gauges and tools are sharp.
Colored CA: Embracing Imperfection
Colored CA is available as a cool way to emphasize the filled areas, celebrating imperfections like the splendor of the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. I recommend keeping a bottle of black medium CA on hand, as it can use the cracks to enhance the beauty of your bowls and spindles.
The Glossy Finish
One last thing to note: CA leaves a glossy surface that can darken the applied area. These areas are challenging, to say the least, because CA is so hard. Your finish scraping layers can help reduce this effect. This sheen can usually be hidden beneath a glossy finish or minimized with oil or wax. Just be cautious during application to ensure it stays where you want it.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Have you used CA in your woodturning or woodworking projects? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
