Is Cascamite still the same stuff it has always been?

[bedouin]

Many years ago I would always use cascamite for working on wooden boats. But one or two comments suggest that the formulation has changed and it isn't the glue it used to be.

Is it still the best adhesive for the job or has it changed? What would you use today for (above the waterline) marine wood glue

 

[PlankWalker]

What would you use today! Epoxy every time, for permanent gluing I cannot conceive of using anything else.
I haven't used Cascamite since about 1972, I bet the boat's not around anymore.

 

[LittleSister]

I was advised against using epoxy, as I'd intended, for a particular job by a friend who knew a thing or two about such technology and he suggested using Cascamite instead. I can't now remember his reasoning, but have since used it successfully for both music instrument repairs and boat woodwork jobs, and while epoxy has its place I find Cascamite generally easier to work with.

Whether that was before or after any change in the formulation of Cascamite I have no idea.

 

[VicS]

Many years ago I would always use cascamite for working on wooden boats. But one or two comments suggest that the formulation has changed and it isn't the glue it used to be.

Is it still the best adhesive for the job or has it changed? What would you use today for (above the waterline) marine wood glue

I never had a great deal of success with Cascamite. I much preferred Aerolite 306.

These days I would use a water resistant PVA wood glue where adequate or where complete waterproofness is required a polyurethane wood glue.

 

[DownWest]

Resorcinol is very good, but requires firm clamping and temps over 10°C and leaves a brown glue line. I still have Aerolite 306 on the shelf, think I bought it from Axminster.
Not heard about any change in Cascamite.
I like the PU glues, but usually a short shelf life after opening. Mostly use epoxy now.

 

[john_morris_uk]

You need to consider the context and application when choosing a glue. Once upon a time I was about to glue a wooden mast back together with West Epoxy but the surveyor explained how brittle epoxy can be and Aerolight 306 was the preferred glue for that job. I’m afraid that I haven’t used Cascamite for decades so I’ve no idea if they’ve changed the formula.

 

[DownWest]

You need to consider the context and application when choosing a glue. Once upon a time I was about to glue a wooden mast back together with West Epoxy but the surveyor explained how brittle epoxy can be and Aerolight 306 was the preferred glue for that job. I’m afraid that I haven’t used Cascamite for decades so I’ve no idea if they’ve changed the formula.

The guys who built a new wooden mast for a classic used a modified version of Aerolite. It was around 145ft long and about 10yrs ago. The advice was after accelerated aging tests.
There are epoxys that have a bit more flexability, like C-Flex & System Three.

 

[Praxinoscope]

Haven’t used Cascamite since school woodwork classes in early 60’s, some of the wood bits and pieces made in these classes are still around and used, so obviously good for years, but can’t comment on its use in boats.

 

[earlybird]

When I built my Scorpion dinghy in the early '70s I used Aerodux for the basic hull and Aerolite for the deck. A quick google for Aerodux prices suggests that it wouldn't be an option to-day.
Cascamite now seems to come under two slightly different labels, ie"structural" & "weatherproof". Are they the same?

 

[Minchsailor]

Used it recently for veneering instrument panels and a table. Good slip, and non-staining. Long pot life. Just the job for that application

 

[Refueler]

PU glue is now my goto for woodwork. It comes in two basic forms : White for interior work, Brown for exterior work including Seawater proof.

I'm a big user of Epoxy for many items - but when it comes to the boat ... PU beats it hands down every time.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

The history bit: Cascamite was developed forthemanufacture of the De Havilland Mosquito.

 

[VicS]

The history bit: Cascamite was developed forthemanufacture of the De Havilland Mosquito.

But later replaced by Aerolite. Other sources say a resorcinol glue was used.

 

[DownWest]

But later replaced by Aerolite. Other sources say a resorcinol glue was used.

Evolution of the glues used was forced by delamination in the tropics.

 

[earlybird]

But later replaced by Aerolite. Other sources say a resorcinol glue was used.

AFAIK, Aerodux, a resorcinol glue made by the same firm as Aerolite, and which I referred to earlier, is a portmanteau name based on Duxford. I don't know quite what that RAF station played in it's development though.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

AFAIK, Aerodux, a resorcinol glue made by the same firm as Aerolite, and which I referred to earlier, is a portmanteau name based on Duxford. I don't know quite what that RAF station played in it's development though.

The Airfighting Development Unit moved to Duxford in December1940 and the Mosquito numbered among the aircraft they assessed and tested there. The possible Aerodux connection may well have been a recommedation for changes in the adhesives used in its construction. I can't come across any other Mosquito-Duxford connection except that the film "633 Squadron" was filmed there in the 1960s, but they wouldn't have known that when they were being built

 

[DownWest]

AFAIK, Aerodux, a resorcinol glue made by the same firm as Aerolite, and which I referred to earlier, is a portmanteau name based on Duxford. I don't know quite what that RAF station played in it's development though.

Ciba have/had a factory at Duxford. I used to pick up Aerodux directly from them; In quite large sizes (cheaper) Then split it between friends with aircraft projects. I used it on DH and other wooden a/c. Ken Wallis was round the corner and used it in his rotor blades. Plus two other home builts.
Doubt the airbase had anything to do with it.

 

[Black Sheep]

Wave Rover is using Titebond III for those parts of the build that don't need epoxy. He talks about it about 10 mins in to this video:

 

[Hacker]

We use Collano for “wet” areas. Easy to use and gap filling as welol.

 

[Juan Twothree]

Crikey, Cascamite. I'd forgotten it even existed.
Suddenly the memories have come flooding back......