Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Jan 16, 2006 07:35pm | #1

   There are additives that can go into your glue. A black light is then used to look for unwanted squeeze out.

   http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=934-256

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 16, 2006 07:37pm | #2

   3 dollar bulb at a local Big-Box works OK.. Get a Bit hot though!

3. 
   highfigh | Jan 16, 2006 07:56pm | #3

   Right- you want a black light. You need to shield yourself from UV. Call a lighting supplier and ask what type is available in a bulb or tube. Then, you can decide on what you want. Worst case, go to a good auto parts store and look in the section where they have sealants and dye kits for diagnosing leaks.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
1. 
   tinkerer2 | Jan 17, 2006 06:21am | #6

   Black light = UV light.  Yes they need shielding

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 17, 2006 06:55am | #7

   Yes, technically black light is UV but the tubes used in areas with "neon" or "flourescent" paint are not harmful. You may have seen this kind of light at one of those places where the girls do things for a dollar. Or more. That light is definitely visible, as opposed to true UV, which is invisible to humans.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   Jimma | Jan 17, 2006 05:45pm | #8

   I've Googled both UV and black light sellers and found nothing specific for detecting glue problems, but I have noted the same product (a battery-operated fluorescent unit) with prices ranging from 10 bucks to 25 plus S&H. So, the question remains -- what is the cheapest type for the applicatiion? (I ain't no dancer, either.)

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 17, 2006 07:38pm | #10

   Maybe you could work at a club as a bartender or bouncer (don't know your dancing ability) so you'd have better access to these lights. Might even take a piece of wood with glue on it to see if it actually highlights the glue.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   Jimma | Jan 17, 2006 09:04pm | #11

   Not bad idea. Maybe my wife wouldn't mind as long as I took my latest project with me. Or, I guess I could let one of my boys do the homework.

3. 
   highfigh | Jan 17, 2006 09:07pm | #12

   And if you do this professionally, you can get receipts for tax time.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

4. 
   jackplane | Jan 17, 2006 10:36pm | #13

   Radio Shack.

   Or is this really a "horticulture" question? 

5. 
   Jimma | Jan 18, 2006 05:55pm | #16

   Radio Shack. Thanks. Best idea yet. I'll try 'em today.

2. 
   tinkerer2 | Jan 18, 2006 06:20am | #14

        We're together.  But I do try to stay out of those girlie places.

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 16, 2006 08:53pm | #4

   You may find it easier to just dampen the surface with mineral spirits, naphtha or alcohol.  This will highlight any glue miscues.  It will also preview the wood color when finished with a clear oil based finish and it will act as a non-contaminating tack cloth removing any dust.

   Howie.........
5. 
   AlanWS | Jan 16, 2006 09:23pm | #5

   Here's a cheap black light that should work: http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3081936

   Any cheap one should work for what you want. There are lots of different UV light sources, varying in wavelength and power. You want the long wave mercury type lamp of low power. Don't look at it, and watch out for sunburn if you point it at your skin. You can avoid the substantially more dangerous ones by not spending much money.

   If your glue is not fluorescent by itself, you can buy the special fluorescent glue, or you could add a little fluorescein to any glue. But be careful not to add too much, or it will "autoquench" and won't glow as much. A teaspoon of fluorescein would be enough for over 3000 gallons of glue.

   
   

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   Edited 1/16/2006 1:25 pm by AlanWS

6. 
   mudman | Jan 17, 2006 05:57pm | #9

   I second the mineral spirits. Not only will it show glue but it will also show machine marks.

   Mike

7. 
   tinkerer2 | Jan 18, 2006 06:25am | #15

        Robert, you haven't spent much time in West Virginia, have you?  Sunshine can be pretty scarce and valuable.