Gluing the Top (best method?)

[Craig Regan]

Is there a relaxed and sane method for gluing tops on to basses? My past experiences have been a hectic race between gathering clamps and glue set up. I am thinking of gluing it in sections or possibly trying the hot knives with pre glued top and ribs (violin method). Is there an order to follow? (blocks - c-bouts - upperbouts - lower bouts). Another concern is cleanliness since it will be impossible to clean up the glue dribbles on the inside.

Its a simple operation, but it can easily get messy. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Clamp the top on with about 1/2 the normal amount of clamps, being careful to align the margins. Then remove a small section of clamps at a time, open the seam slightly with a wedge, and work some glue in with a thin knife. Clamp the area and move on to the next. Clean the sqeeze-out with a small, damp brush. If you use the glue sparingly you will not get drips inside. If you do, you can remove them with a long-handled, flexible brush, working through the f-holes.