Canoe

I’m not sure there are many canoe builders here madts, but TB III is supposed to be the exterior glue of choice. I suggest either gluing a test piece and subjecting it to an immersion test, or maybe looking on a canoe building forum (not being smart or anything).
Are the exposed ply pieces going to have a finish applied?

Rennners I was just hoping that somebody had experience with this wood and water.
And yes everything will be painted or varnished.

I meant glue instead of wood.

MadTS:

You may want to research epoxy glues. I use West Marine, and I believe Shipwright does, as well. These are two-part adhesives – a bit more involved, have extended ‘open’ time and are water-impervious. I’m not sure that TB3 is intended for in-water or saturation situations.

I’ve completed several external furniture pieces – all mortise & tenon, and have never had a joint fail.

MJCD

I can’t speak from any experience on the Tightbond III issue. I’ve never used it and in 40+ years of boatbuilding, haven’t run across anyone else using a PVA glue other than perhaps on interiors. I know epoxies are expensive but I think I’d stick with them (pun incidental). My preference has always been Cold Cure (now a System Three product) but WEST is OK as well.

However, I have to comment on the polyester idea. Don’t do it! Polyester is not an adhesive. In fact the only thing it will reliably stick to is other polyester resin (think fiberglass boat). Especially for the chines, you MUST use epoxy. Polyester seams just won’t withstand any kind of trauma at all. PM me if I can help.

Shipwright:

Thanks for the clarification – never my intent to speak for someone else…

MJCD

By-the-Bye it’s “West System” not “West Marine”.

MJCD

I Knew what you meant. I used all upper case because WEST is actually an acronym for Wood Epoxy Saturation Technique, the Gougeon Brothers’ trademark name for their particular style of cold molding. I prefer Cold Cure for it’s wide temperature range and lack of amine blush.

Shipwright:

Thanks – didn’t know that, on the WEST.

I have an upcoming need for epoxy, and will give the Cold Cure a try.
MJCD

I too would like to try Cold Cure. The only problem is price. You see, I can buy WEST system whole sale. That means 40% off. My supplier does not carry Cold Cure.
Also I have been using WEST for over 30 years now and I am very familiar with it.

No problems with WEST here. I knew Jim Peters, the chemist founded Industrial Formulators of Canada (now sold out to System Three) and he was a very astute man. He was also always available to answer questions and he designed at least two epoxy formulations that had properties not found elsewhere. I used his products for those reasons. The other product was S1 sealer, also still available from System Three. There were others, but those two were the mainstay of my boat building.