Replies

1. 
   jackiechan | Jan 04, 2003 07:10am | #1

   Earl,

   Even though all glues have a certain shelf life, manufacturers aren't into the practice of stamping each unit with an expiration date.  Most glues have a optimum life of one year, but can drop to as little as 3 months if stored in a constantly warm environment (e.g. Modified Urea Formaldehyde Resin Glue).  A few of the glues are exceptions to the rule, such as boatbuilding epoxy which has an almost unlimited shelf life.  (The hardener will darken over time, but won't effect the epoxy's performance.)

   The rule of thumb is to only purchase the amount of glue that you think you'll use within a year.  Without knowing the expiration date, the best practice is to buy glue from a store with a lot of stock turn over.  (Lowes, Home Depot).  That way you can be somewhat assured that you're receiving fresh glue that hasn't been sitting on the shelf for nine months.

   Here is a link to a Fine Woodworking article on all of the glue options. (It doesn't address the issue of shelf life.)

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00010.asp

   If you already have glue that you're unsure of, try the break-strength test.  Using two scrap pieces of the wood you are planning to use, glue them together and clamp as usual.  When dry, place the piece on the edge of your bench, and try to break the joint with the same amount of force that the final project might endure.

   Hope that helps!

   Dan Kornfeld, President/Owner - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

1. 
   Jeff | Jan 04, 2003 05:00pm | #2

   Also be aare that freezing the glue will ruin it.

   Alot of us have shops without heat in the winter, or at least heat them only when working.

   I store my glue in the house for this reason.

   Jeff