Gary,
How do you glue up thin stock (~1/2″) to develop a flat wider board (like a sushi box top)? I took a single 6″ wide piece of maple, cut it down the middle and then glued it up again? I ended up with a 5 7/8′ wide board that was NOT flat. I just can’t figure out how to get well distibuted pressure on the sides of the boards.
I notice that you have “received” several promises for chocolate cookies. Maybe there is something we can do for Jimmy!
Seasons Greetings
Pat
Replies
Hey Pat,
You have to realize that gluing is more like joinery than millwork. Although you are making up a new board that will have to be reflattened, edged, and cut to length, gluing up is a delicate and precise process. It can also create a newer bigger mess, as you’ve found out.
I glue up thin stock on top of some gluing cauls with my regular pipe clamps. These cauls are 3/4" MDF, flat and true, and about 2" tall. Cover their edges in tape so you won’t glue them to your project, decorative though this may be. Set a couple of them down on edge on a flat part of your bench, put your clamps between, and your stock will rest on those cauls.
As you apply clamping pressure, your boards will lift off the cauls at their edges. It’s just how clamping pressure works. Bang them down flat to the cauls with a dead blow hammer and your glue-up will come out flat. Best of luck.
Jimmy of course awaits all gifts with his usual beagle attitude.
Best of luck. Gary
Thanks Gary. See you in January. Pat
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