Applying Paper-Backed Veneer A question about the best adhesive to use for paper-backed veneer over plywood leads to an extended discussion comparing professional methods to inexpensive and less-durable DIY options. March 18, 2006
Keeping the Glue Pot Clean This thread starts with a question about glue brands, but evolves into a discussion about how to operate the glue-pot edgebander to avoid charring of glue and reduce the need for cleaning the equipment. November 2, 2010
Aching Glue Joints Diagnoses and cures for a variety of problems related to the gluing up of panels in solid lumber. 1998.
End Joint Gluing End joint gluing of lumber is an important method for producing long length stock for fabrication into structural products such as trusses, rafters, beams, etc. -1999
Gluing Up Miters in Solid Wood Countertops Here's a wealth of advice based on successful experience of several cabinetmakers building mitered solid-wood countertops. August 6, 2008
Glue Joint Failure Dr. Gene Wengert delves into one of the primary problem areas affecting furniture manufacturers: glue joints. 1998.
Edgebander Operating Tips Advice on how full to fill the glue pot, glue selection, adjustments, and other factors that affect edgebander performance. January 20, 2010
Repairing Damaged Veneer Pros troubleshoot a water-damaged veneer table top, and consider possible fixes. October 30, 2005
Reinforcing Reclaimed Wood with Epoxy This discussion of preserving old re-sawn material includes some detailed opinions about various types of epoxy. February 15, 2015
Edgebanding Glue Holding Problems Cold melamine stored in the unheated shop overnight may be stopping edgebander glue from adhering properly. March 20, 2006
Glue Catalyst Bleed-Through on Veneer Undissolved adhesive catalyst can bleed through and discolor veneer with unsightly spots long after finishing. November 15, 2010
Adhesive for Exterior Doors Dark-stained wood exterior doors can get very hot in service. Here, woodworkers discuss choices for glues that will perform under those tough conditions. September 6, 2007
Cyanoacrylate adhesive How does this glue work for gap filling? (From WOODWEB's Finishing Forum) March 23, 2003
Gluing Steel to MDF Cabinetmakers ponder the pitfalls that may lurk in a proposal to glue 1/8" steel to MDF for cabinet doors. October 19, 2013
Low-Odor, Quick Adhesive for Refacing Is there a fast-setting contact cement for commercial re-facing work that does not smell bad or carry health risks? February 25, 2009
Veneering to a Bending Ply Substrate Advice on adhesive choice, layup methods, and clamping techniques for a large curved veneer assembly. September 29, 2014
Glue Joint Failure in Heat-Treated Wood Wood that has been "roasted" at 300-plus degrees Fahrenheit loses some of its adhesive bonding qualities. January 19, 2012
Aging Performance of Hot Melt Adhesives - or “Pot Life” How long can hot-melt glue hold in the molten state without loss of key qualities? That depends on formulas and manufacturing methods as well as application methods. September 13, 2006
Mixing Solid Surface Brands If you combine sinks and countertops from different makers, will warranties (and adhesives) hold? April 14, 2005
Sustainable Adhesives for Laminates Recommendations for "green" contact adhesives for use with laminate material, and a closer look at the details of the rules. October 3, 2011
Restoring Duncan Phyfe Table-Leg Joints Advice on how to dissolve existing hide glue, inject new glue, and apply clamps when restoring distinctive antique table-leg joinery. July 27, 2008
Troubleshooting Epoxy Joint Failure Epoxy has its own little tricks. Here, woodworkers provide advice concerning a failed epoxy glue-up. August 23, 2006
Using Double-Face Tape Pros discuss a wealth of applications for specialty double-sided tapes. July 9, 2005
Glue failures Adhesive failure can usually be traced to one of two causes: overly moist wood or defective glue. December 6, 2000
Ultraviolet-Light Tracer Dye for Glue For easy detection of glue streaks before finishing, use a fluorescent glue or add a fluorescent additive. February 7, 2009
Countertop delamination After five years, why is an HPL countertop delaminating? October 2, 2001
Adhesion Issues with Teak Edgebanding The oils in Teak wood tend to interfere with glue bonding. Here's how some cabinetmakers handle that when applying shop-made Teak edgebanding. January 8, 2007
Glue and Finish for a Wood Trivet Thoughts on how a small item designed to protect tabletops from hot pots and pans can be detailed to withstand the heat itself. November 8, 2007
Spray Adhesives for Plastic Laminate Adhesives labeled for use with "plastic" may actually not perform will with plastic laminate counter materials, which have a paper backing. February 14, 2010
Glue Type and Veneer Movement A complex veneer pattern may move noticeably in relation to its substrate — more noticeably, if the adhesive is flexible. January 28, 2014
Gluing UV-Prefinished Plywood Scuffing might help (with the right glue), but you're probably going to need screws. October 9, 2006
Repairing A Laminate Seam Placed to close to the kitchen sink, a laminate countertop seam is lifting. Here are quick tips on prevention and repair. December 14, 2005
Applying Edgebanding to Curves Curves the edgebander can't manage can create difficulties. Here's advice on workarounds. May 12, 2013
Gluing Steel Panels to Wood Tapes and adhesives that can hold steel plate to wood, even if the plate is slightly sprung. July 8, 2014
UV-Cured Adhesive A few specialty glues set up and harden quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light. They're good for attaching hinges to glass. December 2, 2006
Epoxy Setting Speeds Epoxy characteristics vary by formula. Some companies offer more than one hardener speed. Thorough mixing is key. December 2, 2006
Mounting Cork to Drywall Incorporating a large cork bulletin board into a custom kitchen. May 4, 2005
Laminating HPL onto Cylinders It's hard to apply sufficient pressure to a cylinder for good bonding of contact cement, but here are a few tips. August 23, 2006
Gluing Up MDF Laminations Tips on glue choice and clamping technique for laminating a 2-inch-thick MDF piece. November 24, 2007
Glue Choices for Veneering a Boat Whether to use epoxy or other adhesive for veneering on a boat transom which will get wet. April 24, 2009
Raised glue lines after curing A glue line that is raised days after parts are assembled and the glue has cured is a sure sign of wet lumber. 1998.
Strong Face Gluing Without Clamps Suggestions for quickly and securely attaching small pieces to the face of a wood trim element without fasteners. March 4, 2008
How Much Glue Left in Drum? Simple ways to know when your supply of edgebander glue is getting low. October 23, 2007
Heat Resistant Glue Choosing adhesive for use in a potentially hot (or warm) location. March 26, 2013
Glue for Borax Treated Board Wood that has been treated with borate-based chemicals interacts with water-based glue in a way that interferes with the bond. July 28, 2012
Epoxy for Laying Up Ipe Stair Treads Epoxy should hold a joint for glued-up stair treads in Ipe wood at 20% MC for an exterior exposure. November 28, 2006
Subtitutes for Methylene Chloride Contact Cement OSHA has tightened the safety limits for methylene chloride, a substance in some contact cement. Here's info on alternative adhesives. August 6, 2008
All about glue size A basic explanation of this product and how to use it. February 13, 2001
Profile Grinding Bent Wood The developer of an innovative method for extreme-bending hardwood explores options for profiling his bent pieces using abrasive wheels. March 12, 2014
Production Gluing of High Density Plastic Laminates This article describes the gluing of high density plastic laminates (i.e. Formica, Debar, Nevamar, Micarta, Pionite and the like) to plywood, lumber core, and particleboard core panels - 1998
PUR Glue for Cabinet Assembly Thoughts about the characteristics of hot-melt PUR glue, gluing equipment, and the requirements of cabinet construction. May 23, 2007
Poor Adhesion After Edging MDF Why has the edge come off this MDF? Maybe it's the glue, maybe it's the method... May 10, 2005
Priming for P-lam Edgebanding When you apply plastic laminate as edgebanding, using a primer helps a lot with strong adhesion in service. February 14, 2010
Glue Injection Techniques When laminate or veneer is lifting, you can make a slit, inject adhesive, and clamp for a clean repair. Here are some detailed tips on getting the glue where it needs to go. February 20, 2008
Biscuits for face frames A discussion of using biscuits for assembling cabinet face frames. Pros and cons of biscuits on face frames, and equipment used. November 21, 2000
Dowel drilling and use guidelines A quick guide to dowel clearances and practices, including drilling depth, diameter-to-edge ratios, and dowel selection. 1998.
Machining and Gluing Challenges with Ipe Here are a few tips and cautions about working with Ipe wood, especially the difficult problem of achieving a lasting glue bond. October 11, 2012
Adhesives and Glues Compared Lots of good background info on traditional glues and modern adhesives in this long thread about gluing an Ipe edge to a countertop. January 20, 2010
Troubleshooting Glue Line Swelling in Furniture In this long and complicated thread, woodworkers and experts try to figure out what's causing a slight ridge to form at the glue line in a wood chair lamination. July 29, 2014
Adhesives and Methods for Very Thin Glue-Ups This discussion of how to glue up wide boards and re-saw them to 1/8 thickness includes some technical info and insight into glue types and the nature of glue bonds in wood joints. February 4, 2011
Laminating Stock for Arched Casings Here's a wide-ranging discussion of gluing and clamping processes for laying up arched casings using multiple thin laminations. November 26, 2007
Glue Joint Movement — Causes and Cures Here's a wide-ranging discussion of adhesive properties and glue joint behavior, triggered by a specific problem involving a raised glue line in a Cherry countertop. October 19, 2014
Glue Creep A long discussion of wood movement, adhesive rigidity, and finishing and performance issues. June 29, 2008
Glue Choices for Applying Veneers Pros dig into the fine points of glue selection for veneering, compare the qualities of different adhesives, and discuss veneer application techniques. October 1, 2005
Gluing Ipe Wood for Outdoor Exposures Ipe's oily nature is not conducive to strong glue joints, especially when movement stress occurs. Here are some reports of success and failure at gluing Ipe in outdoor situations. December 26, 2007
Adhesive Issues with Solid Wood Edgebanding Cabinetmakers discuss whether and how to prime surfaces before applying solid Maple edgebanding to particleboard edges. July 15, 2011
Raised Glue Joints on a Wood Countertop Detailed analysis of why glue joints may show up as visible bumps or grooves on a wood surface in a location subject to moisture changes. April 24, 2009
Troubleshooting and Repair of Glue Failure in an Exterior Door A raised-panel Hickory exterior door behind a glass storm door is coming apart from the effects of solar heat and moisture condensation. What can be learned (or done) in this situation? June 3, 2007
Glue Choice and Open Time for Veneer Glue-Up Veneering sometimes calls for glue that can give the woodworker a little extra time. Here's a discussion of glue choice and veneer gluing technique. November 24, 2007
Glue Bond Failure in "Mahogany" Tropical hardwoods may resist glue absorption, leading to failed bonds. Here are helpful tips on prepping the surfaces. December 2, 2006
Epoxy Versus Urea-Formaldehyde Resin for Glueing Oily Wood Lumber and surface preparation may be more important than glue choice for good performance. But this discussion does shed some light on glue characteristics as well. February 16, 2014
Strip Laminating Teak Advice on adhesives and techniques for gluing up Teak strips to make rough stock for a curved moulding profile. June 26, 2009
Getting a Good Glue Joint with Cherry Hard woods may burnish on the planer, interfering with the wood's ability to take glue for good adhesion. Here's advice on dealing with the issue. May 11, 2008
Gluing OSB to OSB Glue choices and clamping techniques for gluing oriented strand board sheets together, face to face. August 23, 2006
Adhering Glass to Wood Advice on gluing glass into grooves in wood frames for the sides and back of a small cabinet. July 30, 2009
Gluing Ipe Wood sold as "Ipe" may represent a variety of tree species. Some specimens at least are reported to be difficult or impossible to successfully glue. August 12, 2007
Re-Gluing an Old Hide Glue Joint New hide glue can re-activate old hide glue. But old and busted joints may present some pesky complexities. December 27, 2008
Informal Testing of Wood Glues Woodworkers report impressive results from their own backyard and kitchen endurance tests for commonly used adhesives. August 23, 2006
Gluing Reclaimed Heart Pine Heart pine can be loaded with pitch that interferes with glue joints. Here's some detailed advice on preparing the joints and selecting an adhesive. March 4, 2007
Gluing Up a Stack of Melamine Issues of adhesion and drying ability limit the choices of adhesive for laminating melamine. January 14, 2008
Making Tight Finger Joints Glue is holding finger joints open, reports a craftsman. Pros offer suggestions for clamping long boards tightly end to end. November 9, 2005
Glue Failure with Cedar Troubleshooting a set and bond failure when gluing up a laminated Cedar decorative beam. October 20, 2013
Softening Glue with Vinegar Some woodworkers report that you can soften a Titebond glue bond by using vinegar. February 18, 2011
Gluing Up Thick Turning Stock Cracks may open up at glue bonds in large glued-up pieces, particularly in outdoor exposures. Here are some ideas for high-performance adhesives that may help. October 20, 2005
Gluing Metal to Wood Adhesive suggestions for attaching a stainless steel top to a plywood subtop, and other metal-to-wood situations. February 27, 2013
Adhesives for Use with Bamboo Plywood Here's some info about the dimensional stability of bamboo plywood, and advice about adhesive choices. April 27, 2011
Veneer Glue Options Pros tell which glue types they like for vacuum-bag veneering work. July 28, 2006
Glue Choice for Cypress Shutters A shutter specialist advises on adhesive selection for exterior shutter fabrication. October 16, 2013
PVA Glue for P-lam? PVA glue is not as fast as contact cement for applying plastic laminate, but it gives good results (if you choose the right glue). February 14, 2010
Inspecting for Glue Drips Before Finishing Drips show up when you wipe with denatured alcohol, but new fluorescent glues and a "black light" work even better. December 2, 2006
Glue for Pre-Finished Plywood The cured surface of pre-finished plywood offers very poor adhesion for just about all glue. September 26, 2009
Creating Your Own Iron-On Edgebanding Several different off-the-shelf adhesives work for iron-on application of veneer or edgebanding. September 25, 2014
Gluing Exterior Panel Products Polyurethane glue is good for mounting and laminating exterior-grade composite panels. May 5, 2007
Glue Choice for Wood Countertop Glue creep, open time, and bond strength are issues when choosing an adhesive for gluing up wood butcher-block countertops. December 7, 2007
Gluing Purpleheart Purpleheart is a dense, oily wood that can be difficult to glue. October 12, 2008
Gluing Purpleheart Wood Purpleheart is not particularly oily, so yellow glue works well. March 25, 2010
Adhesive Choice for a Maple Scarf Joint A challenging problem: what adhesive to choose for a long scarf joint in a Maple drum that gets some stress from movement. January 20, 2010
Laminating a Curved Exterior Beam Here's a detailed discussion of adhesive selection and clamping methods for a large, curved, laminated beam for an outdoor structure. March 12, 2014
Gluing White Oak for Exterior Service This discussion supplies good insight into the various ways glued joints can fail, and the reasons. February 1, 2015
Veneer buckling Preventing veneer from expanding and buckling through proper gluing and application methods. November 7, 2000
Gluing Veneer to Glass Advanced tips for using silicone to glue veneer to glass, from a chemist who knows. October 20, 2005
Gluing Green Wood Ideas for adhesives that will do a good job on a green sawn timber. March 25, 2010
Adhering MDF to Drywall Mastic or polyurethane glue should work. Here are some installation tips. May 5, 2007
Gluing Teak for a Wet Exposure Recommendations for finger-joint glue for temporary Teak timber shoring exposed to water. July 12, 2008
Gluing MDF Miter Joints MDF soaks up ordinary wood glues, compromising the bond. Here's advice on priming the joint before gluing, or using a specialized adhesive. February 25, 2009
PUR adhesives A Q&A on PUR hot melt formulations and their proper use. December 6, 2000
Plastic Glue Odors in a Cedar Chest A furniture maker tries to understand why it's so hard to get the smell of polyurethane glue out of a cedar chest. May 5, 2007
Joinery to Prevent Telegraphing of a Paint Finish Cabinetmakers consider material and glue choices to avoid visual telegraphing of joints in a custom cabinetry and furniture job that will have an opaque white lacquer finish. November 15, 2011