Can't source ABS glue locally, and DHL won't ship flammable liquids, so...
I searched the forum, and found references to BFM's DIY ABS glue, but couldn't find the original thread...
so...
I saved all the offcuts and scurf when I trimmed my piezos, and soaked them in a bit of acetone overnight. Today I glued up my piezos with the black sludgey ABS-acetone mix and it seems to have worked. I held the 2 parts together with finger pressure for 30 seconds. Later I went over the back of the joints with 3 layers of PVC cement, aka "blue glue".
NB: BFM's original recipe seems to have called for MEK rather than acetone, but after many years exposure to MEKP catalyst in the surfboard industry, I'd prefer not to work with that stuff, if possible.
DIY ABS glue
DIY ABS glue
Built:
XF 210, Jack 110 (bass only), Wedgehorn 6 (panel tweets), 3 x W6 Lite, Jack 110 (melded), 2 x Jack 110 Lite (melded)
XF 210, Jack 110 (bass only), Wedgehorn 6 (panel tweets), 3 x W6 Lite, Jack 110 (melded), 2 x Jack 110 Lite (melded)
- Bill Fitzmaurice
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Re: DIY ABS glue
The glue called for isn't actually ABS, it's PVC cement. I add piezo cutoffs to the PVC to tint it. You also can use the PVC cleaner as a solvent and add enough piezo cutoffs to it to sufficiently thicken it.
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- Location: Ilfracombe Queensland Australia
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Re: DIY ABS glue
Weird,norv wrote:Can't source ABS glue locally, and DHL won't ship flammable liquids, so...
I searched the forum, and found references to BFM's DIY ABS glue, but couldn't find the original thread...
Mine turned up, via DHL.
I didn't specifically state it was in the box though...
Built:
DR 250: x 2 melded array, 2x CD horn, March 2012 plans.
T39's: 4 x 20" KL3010LF , 2 x 28" 3012LF.
WH8: x 6 with melded array wired series/parallel.
Bunter's Audio and Lighting "like"s would be most appreciated...
DR 250: x 2 melded array, 2x CD horn, March 2012 plans.
T39's: 4 x 20" KL3010LF , 2 x 28" 3012LF.
WH8: x 6 with melded array wired series/parallel.
Bunter's Audio and Lighting "like"s would be most appreciated...
Re: DIY ABS glue
I ticked the "Open box and check contents" option at Shipito, and that's where they discovered the glue, and informed me DHL wouldn't ship it.
Great service and speedy delivery from all concerned.
Great service and speedy delivery from all concerned.
Built:
XF 210, Jack 110 (bass only), Wedgehorn 6 (panel tweets), 3 x W6 Lite, Jack 110 (melded), 2 x Jack 110 Lite (melded)
XF 210, Jack 110 (bass only), Wedgehorn 6 (panel tweets), 3 x W6 Lite, Jack 110 (melded), 2 x Jack 110 Lite (melded)
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- Posts: 6912
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2011 11:12 am
- Location: Ilfracombe Queensland Australia
- Contact:
Re: DIY ABS glue
Arrr I see,norv wrote:I ticked the "Open box and check contents" option at Shipito, and that's where they discovered the glue, and informed me DHL wouldn't ship it.
Great service and speedy delivery from all concerned.
I'm a trusting soul, so didn't tick that box.
Then DHL shipped it. They are obviously trusting as well

Built:
DR 250: x 2 melded array, 2x CD horn, March 2012 plans.
T39's: 4 x 20" KL3010LF , 2 x 28" 3012LF.
WH8: x 6 with melded array wired series/parallel.
Bunter's Audio and Lighting "like"s would be most appreciated...
DR 250: x 2 melded array, 2x CD horn, March 2012 plans.
T39's: 4 x 20" KL3010LF , 2 x 28" 3012LF.
WH8: x 6 with melded array wired series/parallel.
Bunter's Audio and Lighting "like"s would be most appreciated...
Re: DIY ABS glue
*Bump*Bill Fitzmaurice wrote:The glue called for isn't actually ABS, it's PVC cement.
Of all the things that you need for a build, plumber's glue is the least necessary to fly into the country.
If you get the clear stuff you don't even need to bother with tinting it.
Re: DIY ABS glue
So is the best glue to join the tweeters ABS cement, or PVC glue?
It was my understanding that the ABS cement actually formed a chemical bond, while the PVC glue just formed a brittle surface fillet.
BTW my "acetone/tweeter scraps" mix has produced a strong bond, that is able to withstand my mishandling and temper tantrums
It was my understanding that the ABS cement actually formed a chemical bond, while the PVC glue just formed a brittle surface fillet.
BTW my "acetone/tweeter scraps" mix has produced a strong bond, that is able to withstand my mishandling and temper tantrums

Built:
XF 210, Jack 110 (bass only), Wedgehorn 6 (panel tweets), 3 x W6 Lite, Jack 110 (melded), 2 x Jack 110 Lite (melded)
XF 210, Jack 110 (bass only), Wedgehorn 6 (panel tweets), 3 x W6 Lite, Jack 110 (melded), 2 x Jack 110 Lite (melded)
Re: DIY ABS glue
I sanded the rear of the piezo flares, then used some clear PVC cement to initially assemble the array. Next I cut some 1 x 2 pieces of fibreglass matt, then put a coat of fibreglass resin on, laid on the mat pieces then one more coat. Voila! Strong assembly!!
Builds so far:
2 x 10x6" TLA's
2 x OT115's
2 x 8x4" TLA's - ~180 deg. coverage!
2 x 10x6" TLA's
2 x OT115's
2 x 8x4" TLA's - ~180 deg. coverage!