Replies

1. 
   jako17 | Feb 25, 2003 04:31pm | #1

   I've found to my cost that PVA glues need 55+ and that means wood temp so ensure that  the wood warms up to at least that and remains at that for the cure. Smear some on a board if it goes chalky you have a problem for sure.This is not a very accurate method of prediction.Try to get the shop at 55-60 ,glue failure can mean sawing apart as it usually doesn't break clean just yawns. 

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Feb 25, 2003 10:06pm | #5

   Even at 55 degrees, PVA adhesive will take about three times as long to cure to the point that clamps can be removed and will only develop about 50-60% strength in 24 hours. The times listed on the container are based on 70 degrees.

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Feb 25, 2003 06:27pm | #2

   Frank

      I agree with jako. His point about the wood also needs to be at or above the temperature is very valid. I have had the problem in the past before I added a sufficient heating method for the shop.

     If you have a couple of those electric ceramic heaters, this might bring the temp up the 5 degrees or better after a couple of hours. If you do get it up to sufficient, you might also put your glue bottle in the micro-wave for about 15 seconds before you actually apply it. (That comment will probaly start a raging fire, but I used to do it before the heat system. I won't argue if someone dis-agrees. Use your judgement. ha..)

      That temp needs to stay up during the dry time also.

   Good luck and be glad you got that new, big basement...

   sarge..jt 

3. 
   forestgirl | Feb 25, 2003 08:33pm | #3

   How big is the piece, and how complicated is the glue-up?  If the answers are "Not too big, and not very complicated" I'd try the following:

   Get a few sawhorses or Workmates together that can form a frame around the workpiece -- one that will be a bit taller than the finished piece, have a couple of long pieces of lumber to put across the top.  If possible, put a rug down on the floor.  Find yourself an electric blanket (or two) that would cover it all and plug them in.  Get the pieces of your item and your glue nice and warm (in the house?), then bring them downstairs, assemble them, place them inside the "corral," drape the pre-warmed-up blankets over everything and let it cure.

   Saw this tip a few years ago in one of the mags -- the WWer used it routinely during the winter.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   Biscardi | Feb 25, 2003 08:45pm | #4

   Well,

   It looks like I will be cutting a hole in the ducts today.

   Frank

4. 
   dirtstirrer | Feb 26, 2003 06:44am | #6

   Frank,

          I'm curious about the experts opinions on this one too.  I used to have a cold drafty barn as a shop, and periodically I'd get the chalky looking glue mess.  If I left it in the clamps for about 24 hours, I never had a problem with it failing.  Wonder if I just got lucky or if the joints are weak and I haven't really stressed them enough to fail.  Good news is a nice big heated shop cures this affliction.

                                           Steve