I've been reading the thread about leather adhesives with interest because I'm
about to re-cover a Wurlitzer band organ vacuum pump (my first attempt) and I want
to get it right. A former owner used solvent-based cement which I've been able to
remove, more-or-less, with lacquer thinner, but there's still a slippery-feeling
residue. Plus there are a few places where the cement bonded too well with the
poplar and in those areas some of the wood fibers tore out in spite of my care and
patience when removing the old leather. I know how to mend those.

Two questions: Will careful sanding remove the solvent-based residue well enough
that hot hide glue will adhere? Also, in regard to Art Reblitz's post: yes, I plan
to use hot hide glue for the job and I'm sure that's the preferred choice for
leather to wood, but what about bonding the back side of leather to the finished
side? 

In a past experience recovering a bass drum pneumatic with leather and hot hide
glue, the lap seam on the hinged end didn't bond. My question is: should the
finished side of the leather be scarfed or roughed up with abrasive paper?

Craig Wiley