Felt adhesive?

DynoDan

DynoDan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have an old Bloodworth ball polishing machine that came with a spare set of felts. Replacing them is overdue, but not sure what adhesive to use? The plater looks like styrene, and the ball frames are a plastic/fiber material (I will clean off the old glue/residue first with a scotch pad & naphtha). My instinct is to use an auto upholstery/carpet spray adhesive, but it is hard to apply precisely, and likely not strong enough.
Anybody ever do a similar project successfully?
 
There's a 3M spray contact adhesive I use to glue vinyl to wood... spray both
surfaces, wait a few seconds, and you've got one shot to put it on with no
mistakes.
 
I considered contact cement, since it is strong, easily removable with solvents & won’t wick, but I need working time to properly position the felt inside the ball frames. White glue is out since the spray cleaning solution (I use Porper’s) would likely cause it to release eventually. I’m leaning toward a slow epoxy gel, but will spend some time shopping the adhesives isle first.
 
DynoDan said:
I have an old Bloodworth ball polishing machine that came with a spare set of felts. Replacing them is overdue, but not sure what adhesive to use? The plater looks like styrene, and the ball frames are a plastic/fiber material (I will clean off the old glue/residue first with a scotch pad & naphtha). My instinct is to use an auto upholstery/carpet spray adhesive, but it is hard to apply precisely, and likely not strong enough.
Anybody ever do a similar project successfully?
Click to expand...
I've replaced our pads on our ball polisher numerous times, and incidentally I likely have the identical Bludworth polisher which we've used in our room for 22+ years. You really don't want or need to use any adhesive that is too permanent, as you'll be replacing the pads again and you don't to have too hard of a time removing the old ones. 3M 77 multipurpose adhesive spray can, which you can purchase at most hardware stores has always worked great for me. Just wait a few minutes after you spray it for it to get tacky enough before you apply the pads.
 
ChrisinNC said:
I've replaced our pads on our ball polisher numerous times, and incidentally I likely have the identical Bludworth polisher which we've used in our room for 22+ years. You really don't want or need to use any adhesive that is too permanent, as you'll be replacing the pads again and you don't to have too hard of a time removing the old ones. 3M 77 multipurpose adhesive spray can, which you can purchase at most hardware stores has always worked great for me. Just wait a few minutes after you spray it for it to get tacky enough before you apply the pads.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. If I can order more pre-cut felts, the 3M spray makes sense. I was only considering something stronger since the spray cleaning solution causes the less-percent adhesive to eventually release, and a long cleaning cycle after the felt comes off will usually damage the ball. Since my machine is seldom used (compared to a commercial room), I figured the existing replacement felt I had in reserve might well outlive me.
 
BTW: Turns out, the original felt was installed using Elmer’s Carpenter glue. Since not as susceptible to moisture as white glue, I’m thinking it was likely the felt that failed over time, not necessarily the adhesive (?). I may go with the 3M spray (easier cleanup?) and just change felt more often.
 
DynoDan said:
BTW: Turns out, the original felt was installed using Elmer’s Carpenter glue. Since not as susceptible to moisture as white glue, I’m thinking it was likely the felt that failed over time, not necessarily the adhesive (?). I may go with the 3M spray (easier cleanup?) and just change felt more often.
Click to expand...

I have the Bludworth and changed my pads awhile back. I called Bludworth and they told me exactly what to do. Can't remember what glue I used but it was whatever they recommended. Haven't had any problem with the pads.
 
Replacement felt kit & instructions arrived today. New felt is thicker than the original from 25 yrs. ago, so will likely install that instead of the spare set that came with the machine. Will also follow their glueing instructions (yellow Elmer’s) since my machine doesn’t get frequent/commercial use (new felt will likely outlive me).
 
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