I stopped using glue on every joint and my work got better

Used to slop glue on everything back when I started framing in 2016. Thought more glue meant stronger. Buddy of mine who's been doing trim for 30 years came by my site last spring and watched me glue a window frame. He asked why. Told him it was standard. He just shook his head and showed me how the wood expansion can actually pop joints apart if you glue stuff that needs to move. Now I only glue where it makes sense - like end grain situations or non-structural stuff. Anyone else find themselves gluing less as they get more experience?

2 comments

2 Comments

lindareed9d ago

Read a fine woodworking article that said the same thing. Less glue, stronger joints.

sarah_hart9d ago

Actually, I gotta respectfully disagree on this one. A proper woodworking joint needs enough glue to fill any tiny gaps and get good squeeze out, otherwise you're just asking for a dry joint that'll fail. Thin glue layers work great for perfectly machined joints in a factory, but most of us don't have that kind of precision in our home shops. A heavy coat that's clamped tight and squeezes out is actually a sign you used enough, not too much. Fine Woodworking is great but they sometimes write for pros with thousand dollar machines, not the rest of us. So I'll keep using a generous amount, thanks.