when to use wood glue, and why?

[danielbuck]

Forgive me if this is somewhat of a basic question, I have searched around (on here, and general internet searches) and all I seem to come up with is "what's the best glue", and "how to apply glue" and "what glue is strongest" and so on. I haven't really found anything that gives suggestions for when to use glue, and when not to use glue, what joints to use glue with, and so on.

I've made a few pieces of furniture (crudely I might add, as I'm learning!) and I have yet to use wood glue for anything else accept when I plug screw holes with wooden plugs that I have drilled out, I use the wood glue to secure the plug. I've not yet used glue for any other purpose.



In most "typical" furniture projects (if there is such a thing?), how do you decide to use glue or not, and why?

Do you just use glue on most wood surfaces that are touching other wood surfaces?

Only on surfaces where you are using screws to hold together?

Only in areas that you aren't using screws?

Is it just personal preference? Or is there really a long-term difference between using glue and not using glue in particular areas?

I would like to be educated on this

[FrankC]

Use glue on anything you don't plan on taking apart, it is what holds everything rigid, screws and nails will loosen in time, their purpose is mostly to hold things in position until the glue sets, basically acting as permanent clamps.

[danielbuck]

Thank you for your reply Frank Looks like I will be picking up more glue soon!

[Errol42]

Hi Daniel
Please don't set too much store by what I say, because I just potter around and make or restore the odd thing (just love working with that wood though), but I use glue on everything regardless of whether it's just a tight friction fitting, is nailed or is screwed. I got into the habit years ago, and I've never seen any reason not to use glue.

[cabinetman]

I got into the habit years ago, and I've never seen any reason not to use glue.

A good reason is one that Frank gave...if you ever wanted to take it apart.

.

[fergusM]

Hi Daneil,

If it's not moving glue it. Make sure you dry fit everything and when you have a perfectly tight fit glue it, and screw it as well if you can. If you can't screw it clamp it.

[robhannon]

Be careful with glue when attaching large panels. I learned this the hard way with a table top. Wood moves at different rates with the grain and across the grain. Different species move differently as well. if you were to make a top and glue it to a cabinet it could very well see your cabinet ripped apart at the seams when the weather gets humid.


Another thing with glue is to be careful how much. Too much end us adding a lot of additional time to your projects with cleaning up drips. Those drips also can affect how the wood accepts finish.

[Johnnybob]

I mix glue with saw dust to make a filler for joints that don't fit tight. Works great in loose mortise joints