I like the original weldwood because I found the same size can didn't go as far as the gel.  I've never used Barge again because the price seems to be higher per quantity.  That begging said I've only found tubes, so maybe in a larger quantity the price is competitive.

Also, the method I prefer to apply the glue is to use a 2-21/2".x 4" piece of 1" foam as an applicator.  Dip the foam into the glue just about 1/4" or less.  Let the glue soak into the foam until the surface is not as shiny.  They apply to both surfaces.  Allow both surfaces to become tacky then join.

Make sure to use gloves. Use the product outside and possibly with a chemical rated mask if sensitive.  This stuff is highly flammable.  The fumes will travel across a room and find and open flame very quickly.  Safety first!  

Julie

I tried the weldwood today, outside , because I have small animals. It worked well and quick for me. but next time I will get the gel. I live in Louisiana and it gets very warm here. As far as hotglue it's great for some things but I prefer not to burn my fingers. LOL. I found weldwood also works well for glueing fabric to foam.

I'm with Julie, the gell doesn't seem to go as far.  Both of us live on the TX Gulf Coast, so know all about humidity.  I use regular contact cement (forget the water based stuff). Sometimes use the 3M Spray adhesive for foam.  It is expensive, but holds well, and the smell is not as strong as contact cement. 

BTW - if you take a Dave Pannebecker class, you use barge (in small cans) inside.  We opened the windows, but didn't help much. LOL.  He probably knows where to purchase the barge.

You can get Barges on amazon.com there are several suppliers and diffrent sizes and prices. Ranging from tubes to gallon size.

Well it is possible that you can get Barge in your city but just not in regular stores. Barge is used by cobblers to re-sole shoes. So find a shoe repair shop in your area and ask them if they perhaps sell it or if they get it locally where they get it. 

Also the Ace Hardware website has it so it might be that your local Ace Hardware may have it. http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1390196  They have a cool store locator. http://www.acehardware.com/mystore/storeLocator.jsp

Has anyone tried this? titebond

Haven't tried it with puppets, hubby used some w laminate. As with most "green" products it doesn't work as well as non green and is more expensive. Plus.. I've found glues that clean up with water just don't hold up for extended periods of time.

I would have to ditto what Ms Puppet said. While I've not used that actual brand, I have tried similar water based contact cements and they just don't seem to work as well.  Others on the site here though have had better luck with water based products so it might work.  If you do give it a try let us know what you think.

as a puppet newb, i dont think I could give a good idea if it works well or not. I just found out that rubber cement and contact cement arn't the same thing... so what is the consensus on the best glue? Barge?

I have used Barge and DAP Weldwood. I had no complaints with either, though I tend to think that Barge is somewhat stronger. The Barge also worked very well in gluing some shoe soles back on, lol.

I'll ditto Chris on his choice of brands. Barge can be hard to get a hold of at times so DAP brand is a great runner up for choice of brands.

I have searched this site on many occasions and have gotten some great info but i am struggling right now with this and have been reading this thread. i have started the construction of the Avenue Q puppets for one of our local Community Theaters.  I have in the trial run of these had difficulty with the glue.   I currently have six heads cut and glued up. until the Dap Weldwood contact cement didnt work.. Then I tried the 3M 77 spray adhesive, which didnt hold. then I went back to rubber cement...which did not hold either. I believe the problem is not the glue alone but the thickness of the foam. These are larger, sturdier puppets and require thicker foam.  I think to glue up the darts and create the round shapes needed, it puts too much torque on the joints. I am going to try the Crafters Pick Ultimate mentioned in posts from quite a while back but frankly am skeptical of 1) if it will hold and 2) if it will hold on top of all the glue already tried and should I start from the beginning.  Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

Honestly, I still use mostly hot glue with both 1/2 and 1 inch foam an have never had an issue...no smell either!

Quick question about the weldwood...are you applying glue to both pieces of foam? Allowing it to become tacky then attaching?

Julie

Yes, i applied to both sides. may have left it too long this time around, so it was no longer tacky enough...however, it has happened to me before when i have tried to use it. it just doesn't hold this thick foam. I have finally finished it up with hot glue. hate that i usually end up with blisters though. The next ones i will try the CP Ultimate.