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Gluing Tips
- Surface prep: Joint surfaces should be flat, clean, and freshly machined. Avoid sanding end grain before gluing.
- Open time: Apply glue to both surfaces for end grain. Work within the open time or the glue won't bond.
- Clamping pressure: PVA needs 100-150 PSI. Squeeze-out should be a thin, even bead - too much means excess glue, too little means not enough.
- Temperature: Most wood glues need 50-75F (10-24C) minimum. Cold slows curing; heat accelerates it.
- Squeeze-out cleanup: For PVA, wait until it skins over (30 min) and peel it off. Wiping with a wet rag can push glue into pores and affect staining.
- End grain: Apply a sizing coat first (thinned glue), let it soak in 5 min, then apply full-strength glue and clamp.