He asked me why I wanted "to do this all at once, instead of a part at a time? He never did it."
He then proceeded to show me that the glue might be applied to the two end blocks and the corresponding parts of the table that were to be affixed, and these cramped exactly and with comparative ease, in their proper position. This being done, a very thin worn table knife could be used for working in glue at the other parts and the cramping down proceeded with as before.
Another way suggested itself to me some time after, which in careful hands would be still more adapted for accurate fitting. It is as follows:—Having seen that the opposing surfaces or parts that are to be affixed to each other are quite level, fit each other, have been cleaned and are free from any oiliness or greasy particles, the glue is neatly brushed round the parts requiring it, both upper table and ribs being treated. The corner and end blocks, if new, will require more than one coating, and these to be allowed to dry, as the end of the grain is very absorbent.
Assuming that the glue is sufficient in quantity all round, it may be allowed to dry.
The upper table can now be tested for a good fit by laying it, and noticing whether the marginal projection over the ribs is regular or not; in some instances a little humouring or averaging of this projection has to be made, especially when the instrument is very old, and bears evidence of much trouble under the hands of repairers of different degrees of skill, experience and patience.
This being found satisfactory, a slight brushing of thin glue over the upper and lower end blocks will be enough before placing the table in position and cramping them down.
For the other parts the thin knife will be sufficient, wetted and worked between, the cramps being applied as before.
This way of closing up dispenses with all cause for hurry. The exact amount of glue can be calculated without danger of over-loading, and the next necessary opening for repairs can be effected without the least risk of damage to the margin of the upper table. By this method there is no occasion for wiping superfluous glue from underneath the over-lapping edge, as there will not be any perceptible, or, indeed, present, when tidily done.
Sufficient time being allowed for drying—a little longer for the end blocks, these being more hidden and slowly affected by the atmosphere—the cramps may be removed.
As a final process, the varnishing over the parts that have been repaired may be touched upon.