Why You Should Always Use Wood Glue
Did you know that using wood glue when joining workpieces together creates the strongest joint possible?
24/01/2021
When applied to two work faces, as shown above, the wood glue bonds to the wood and will not split apart even after hitting with a hammer.
I have been doing DIY and woodworking projects for over 20 years and during this time, there are projects that I make without using wood glue and the rest, using wood glue is a must. Many beginner DIY enthusiasts make their projects without using wood glue in the assumption that the joints will hold everything together on their own. That is not quite true.
There are some strong methods for jointing out there that don't require you to use wood glue, but most modern and simple methods for joining two pieces of wood together should always involve using wood glue.
The only time I don't use wood glue when making projects is when I am doing prototype projects - or when I'm designing something new and unique and trying to work out how the final result will be the best version. The reason I don't use wood glue for these projects is that sometimes I might need to take the pieces apart and try something different. If I used wood glue in these instances, I would never be able to take the projects apart.
For the purpose of this article, I have included a video below from Woodworking for Mere Mortals where Steve Ramsey discusses how to use wood glue when joining wood pieces. In the video, he mentions Titebond Wood Glue and this product is now available at Toolcraft.co.za (buy online) and HardwareCentre.co.za. There are a lot of DIYers out there that also use Gorilla Glue and you can buy this at Builders stores around the country. Me, I prefer to use Ponal Wood Glue simply because it has a small nozzle on the bottle that is great for getting into small joints without making a big mess.
See below for our handy tips for using wood glue.
TIPS FOR USING WOOD GLUE
When using wood glue for whatever project you are going, the following tips will make it easier and your joins stronger:
1. Use painter's tape along joins to prevent the wood glue from oozing out and spoiling any finish.
2. Put wax paper down on your work surface for protection and to make clean-up easier.
3. Always use clamps to ensure joins are bonded tightly together. If you don't have clamps, painter's tape works too!
4. Use a sharp wood chisel or utility knife to clean away partially dried glue.
5. Immediately wipe away excess glue. If you don't, the wood will not stain properly.
6. In the interests of a speedy clean-up, only use enough glue for the job.
7. Use exterior or waterproof glue for all exterior projects.
8. When wanting to stain or use a tinted sealer on wood projects, mix a bit of sawdust with the wood glue.
images: family handyman