Replies

1. 
   sapwood | Jan 24, 2006 12:17am | #1

   I would glue it up without getting glue all over the bloody thing. Then I wouldn't have to scrape or sand any glue off.

   I always stain after. (although I seldom stain and more seldom do I make frame and panel)Others do this the opposite. I suggest that you make up a sample panel that you can experiment on for both methods.

   Learn by doing.

1. 
   wdshaper | Jan 24, 2006 12:48am | #2

   Thank you! 

2. 
   SgianDubh | Jan 24, 2006 02:59am | #3

   There's almost always more than one approach that will work in different jobs, wdshaper.

   It's quite common to stain and polish floating panels up to the penultimate coat of polish prior to gluing the frame around it. The reason for this is to have a consistent colour all over the panel. Also the polish running right up to the edge and end of the panel reduces the chances of it getting stuck in the framework as that is glued up. If the panel shrinks in the framework later there is no colour change.

   With this method of prefinishing panels the usual trick is to mask this portion off whilst colouring and polishing the framework. Lastly the masking is removed from the panel and a final coat is applied to the whole framework and panel in one go. This technique is used a lot when finishes are sprayed on.

   The tricky issue of what to do about glue squeeze out  during assembly of the framework is always a difficult one and, to be honest, I've never found a method that works in every situation. If you're not dyeing or staining the job but simply putting on a clear brushed on film finish then you could polish the panel prior to assembly. Then polish the inside edge of the framework with a couple of coats and glue up. The polish should allow you to simply prise the glue off at the corners as it won't stick well to the polish. Finally, complete your polishing.

   This may not be the best solution in your case, but if you give us a bit more information on the finishing you plan to do along with details of the inside edge mouldings and that kind of thing then there may well be better suggestions you could consider. Slainte. 

   Richard Jones Furniture

1. 
   wdshaper | Jan 24, 2006 06:26pm | #5

   Thank you for the very informative response - it's much appreciated!

3. 
   Dave45 | Jan 24, 2006 05:30pm | #4

   In a perfect world, you would use just the right amount of glue to give you a "just visible" bead of squeeze out when you clamp the pieces together.   On the rare occasions when I actually get that, I let it dry then scrape and sand.

   My normal practice is to use a damp paper towel or sponge (damp, not wet) to wipe off the squeeze out followed by scraping and sanding after it dries.  When I assemble cope and stick rails and stiles, I try to assemble the joint with the rails a bit "long" then slide them into position so I don't "plough" the glue into the inside corner of the sticking detail.

   It really helps to spread the glue evenly in the joint, as well.  I keep a few el-cheapo 1" paint brushs around with the bristles cut back to ~3/8".  You can clean and reuse them - or just toss them when you're done.

1. 
   wdshaper | Jan 24, 2006 06:28pm | #6

   Thanks Dave - your comments are appreciated!

4. 
   Pondfish | Jan 24, 2006 09:20pm | #7

   I stain and finish panels prior to assembly; otherwise you are fighting with the tight corners created during assembly, and if you finish in the summer, come winter you will have unfinished edges where the panel has shrunk.

   I also will finish whatever I can prior to assembly (unless the final finish is sprayed); it is often easier to finish unassembled pieces.  Avoid getting finish on glue surfaces, and when you have glued, you'll find squeeze out or drips pop right off.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
1. 
   wdshaper | Jan 25, 2006 12:44am | #8

   Thanks Pondfish - much appreciated!