Contact cement question

elof_alv

elof_alv

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Mar 13, 2009
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Guys,
Just wanted to check if there was a more accessible thinner for the contact cements.

I've used the 'Tandy's Bond Craftsman Contact Cement', the last few times I was ordering they were out so I got pretty much the same thing from local leather supplier (smells and behaves the same as the Tandy stuff).

After reading the Paul's Tracker sheath thread I'd like to give the thinning and multiple applications a go, but I'd have to order just the thinner from Tandy, and I have a feeling there might be a substitute I could get in a hardware store.

Thanks for advice.
 
According to Tandy's website, their cement is made by Barge.
Barge cement thinner is Toluene-based, you should be able to find some in your local home improvement or hardware store.
Try a test piece and let us know how it works out!
Mark
 
Beware and be careful around that stuff, its dangerous. Its one of the top chemicals to avoid. There is an entire course in the Art Degree program at TTU when I was there. Might not think much of it now but the effects are cumulative, much like just about any strong solvent. Proper precautions are half the battle, a healthy respect for it is the other half.

Here is some good reading https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/toluene/health_hazards.html

I worked around some even more nasty chemical solvents at Cabot Carbon Black R&D division, the safety sheets were amazing and what those chemicals will do to you is horrifying.
 
Seriously, what Leatherman said! I never handled toluene, but worked with some other industrial solvents. Don mess around with that stuff!
 
Each of you posting cautions about Toluene and other solvents are absolutely correct……Technically.:thumbup:

Death by Barge is relatively rare, in fact I don't know of a case personally.:confused:

You should certainly exercise caution and use it in a well ventilated area as common sense and the warning label would dictate.:thumbup: Also I guess you should be advised that some of the knives you use are very sharp and could cut you pretty badly.:rolleyes: Also, need to warn you that the heavier mallets, maul, and hammers can really mash a thumb if proper care is not exercised.:eek:

I think the late John Wayne summed it up best when he said, "Life is tough….It's even tougher if you are stupid".;)

Paul
 
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Haha you are right. I doubt any of us will get seriously harmed by barge. It's just that you should handle pure solvents like this with extra care. Also because the doses are additive.
 
Said nothing about Barge, said a lot about Tolulene. Did I miss something?? or is it a bad day?
 
Dwayne, I'm going to respond and then I'm through. It's a great day, 85 degrees and bright sunshine.

I would redirect you to post #2 where Barge (as a mfg. co.) is referred to by name and Toluene is also referred to, as it should have been, since it is a major ingredient in both the original formula, and the revised formula of Barge contact cement and perhaps the Tandy brand and the thinners. That kind of ties the Barge products to Toluene.

Toluene as a stand alone solvent was the subject of your post, and everything you wrote is true and pertinent.
Now, since Barge contains so much Toluene as part of its formula, it would follow that your warnings and also those of the makers of Barge should be understood and followed, just as a common sense drill.

That takes us up to my post which I stand by word for word as written.

I have used Barge cement and thinner for years and years and I follow the suggestions as far as safety goes, but as you know Barge had been around for years BEFORE the safety issues made the front page.

There are many old saddle makers and leather crafters, and countertop makers and many other jobs that use the contact cements (solvent based) according to the suggestion for safety with no readily apparent ill effects (that I am aware of). So, while we should all use caution, I don't think it rises to the point of panic or using terms like horrifying, unless we lump driving in San Antonio traffic, drinking too much of the grape, or a host of other everyday activities in there with it.

I do believe your post was well written, well thought out and true as far as pure Toluene is concerned, and mostly I think your heart is in the right place.

Paul
 
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Thanks guys.
I've spent a fair amount of time around paints and solvents so I'm aware that precautions need to be taken.

One of the reasons I asked here which solvent to use, rather than trying with what I can get my hands on...
 
No worries then, Tolulene is safe, end of story. I'll avoid any differences in opinion in the future. I'm weary of this.
 
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