I am very sensitive to chemicals and can’t use all the normal glues, contact cement, super glue, etc. I definitely want to do these repairs myself. Anyone have any ideas?
Rubber cement?
Or, dump the cork, get some non-cotton thread, and try wrapping the tennon with thread instead. Even dental floss will work (non-cotton of course), and if you use waxed, it’s easier.
Eric
Rubber cement can have many toxic solvents but apparently there are non toxic varieties so thanks I will look into that. Floss I have used and yes it does the job but I prefer cork and esp for other people’s horns.
You might want to try the shellac used to glue saxophone and clarinet pads in place. It comes in a stick form that has to be heated, but also comes in tubes in woodwind repair kits.
You can also get shellac dissolved in alcohol…if your not allergic to alcohol this might work. You can let it stand a bit to thicken to any desired consistancy
I, too, am sensitive to many chemicals. I use a chemical vapor mask when I must work with solvents, etc. That with a fan blowing across the area to blow away vapors, which dissipate quickly, seem to do the trick for me. I also try to do these things in a room that I can leave as soon as I am finished with the task involving the chemical vapors.
Yeah, I would also highly recommend using a properly rated vapor mask. I didn’t during the years I did tons of re-corking, and I regret it.
I am not aware of any effective alternative adhesives, other than shellac.
Loren