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For gluing tops, I just use rub joints. I have one in the vise, and the other ready to place on top. Heat up both with a heat gun; my basement is never warm; then brush glue on both pieces. place the one on top, and slide it back and forth until it sticks.

I glued two tops yesterday. Not 5 minutes later I was sweeping up the chips and fuzz from fitting the join, and the broom smacked against the one in the front vise! I could see it shaking, but it seemed good. This morning they are both fine. Once they grab, they grab.

I did it the other day with larger pieces of the same board for an arch top. It needed 3 pieces (the board is only about 5.5" wide, for early instruments) but with the uneven color I couldn't get 3 pieces to work. I cut off the real light wood, and arranged until It looked ok. I actually did the 3 smaller pieces at the same time. Rub one, then rub the next. Then I glued the 2 and 3 piece sections together.

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Why be normal?