No matter how much time a woodworker spends crafting raw wood into beautifully shaped furniture components, the final glue-up phase of any project can spell doom without the proper preparation. Once the glue goes, the clock starts ticking, and it’s easy to turn a piece of fine furniture into a fine mess.

 

In this short video, Fine Woodworking editor Asa Christiana and senior web producer Ed Pirnik demonstrate simple techniques that will ensure your woodworking glue-ups come together easily and quickly. From carrying out a dry-fit and handling surface preparation ahead of time—to gluing up your projects in stages and dealing with pesky glue squeeze-out—budding woodworkers will learn solid tips for better glue-ups.

 

Build the Bench Seen in this Video
The Shaker-style bench that was assembled for this video was on a smaller design built by Shaker furniture master Christian Becksvoort. For step-by-step instruction on how to build your own Shaker bench, be sure to view Becksvoort’s article from Fine Woodworking issue 231. Built entirely with hand tools, this humble bench serves as a great exercise for sharpening basic hand tool skills.