Best glue for panel glue-ups

Quickstep | Posted in General Discussion on September 23, 2006 05:20am

I am working on a project that has a couple of wide raised panels. In the past, I’ve always used whatever glue I’ve had on hand, but for some reason, I decided to think about it this time, possibly because the panel is wider than I’ve made in the past (15″ wide). The panel will be about 3/4″ thick and I have a glue joint bit for a little extra surface area. So what’s the best glue to use to prevent future cracking etc? Titebond, epoxy, polyurethane?

Replies

Floss | Sep 23, 2006 06:36am | #1
I would skip the glue joint bit. That joint always looks funny on raised panels to my eye.

If you have a good fitting joint, slightly sprung, then regular wood glue works just fine.

The failure of the joint is more readily affected by poor preparation of the surfaces as opposed to an inadequate adhesive.

I either use hot hide glue or regular titebond glue for all my gluing. No failures yet.

But I also use a handplane to joint my panel glue ups if I don't have stock wide enough.

This may be a good opportunity to try using a handplane to expand your woodworking potential. If you don't already have one or ten.

J.P.
oldusty | Sep 23, 2006 07:42am | #2
    I have good luck with Titebond .

             I also agree with JP , the glue in the glue joint can show especially if there are any voids or the panel gets stained .

                    regards     dusty
nikkiwood | Sep 23, 2006 08:17am | #3
Titebond (or any yellow glue) is the one to use for sure.

Epoxy, polyurethane, or hide glues are for other applications.

********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

John Wooden 1910-
Jfrostjr | Sep 23, 2006 04:46pm | #4
I have never had ANY trouble using ordinary Elmer's White Glue. My glue-ups have remained solid for years with no sign of any failure. Just try breaking a joint in one of your off-cuts.

BUT - this last time I decided to go with Elmer's Stainable Glue. Thought it just might provide and extra layer of protection if a jont, somehow, showed up as visible after the glue-up was finished.

Frosty
dull tool | Sep 23, 2006 05:34pm | #5
Ouickstep,
The tightbond works well for me, especially the one for "dark woods". also you might consider a biscuit jointer if your panel components are nottotally flat.
Attached is a raised panel chest I recently completed. JP may not approve of my glue-ups but my Granddaughter loves them.