The Truth About Glue For Woodworking

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Hello Friends! I didn't include Titebond 3 because I rarely buy it. It is somewhere in between PVA and Polyurethane. It has their "Advanced Proprietary Polymer" formula. It is waterproof when it dries. It is also significantly more expensive, and in my opinion, it is overkill for most projects. And Beware the shelf Life, it is much shorter than PVA glues.

[@markproulx1472]

Thanks for the clarification. I use TB III, but I buy small quantities to minimize loss due to aging.

[@Bill-v650]

With the moisture activated polyurethane glues try to squeeze all the air out of the bottle before you cap it. Each time you use some and recap you are trapping some air that contains humidity that will over time "kick-off" the glue. With the larger CA glue bottles, store them in the refrigerator after opening and they keep MUCH longer.

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Thanks Bill, Good tips! I've also started storing the gorilla glue in a ziplock bag with a couple of silica packs. I'll see how that goes in a couple of months.

[@emmakun]

Titebond 3 is actually PVA Type I (waterproof), same as Elmer’s Wood Glue Max. The later also has small wood fibers that supposedly help with staining. TB2 is PVA Type 2 (water resistant) and TB1 is PVA Type 3 (not water resistant).

[@David-hm9ic]

As a builder of radio controlled model airplanes, I've been using CA since "Hot Stuff" was introduced in the 1970s. I still use it from time to time; not really a CA fanboy of it. If CA is stored in a refrigerator, the shelf life can be extended significantly. I used some that was purchased in 2011 yesterday. It was a little thicker than when new and took a little longer to cure without accelerator but it's still very usable. The same glue kept in a workshop will solidify in a few months. Been using Titebond as long as I've been using CA and far prefer it to CA. Will try Titebond III for the first time soon building a patio handrail table. Titebond II is my standard shop glue.

[@timothylarson3583]

My current bottle of polyurethane is over two years old, I just store it upside down. I have a little bit of crusty that I remove with small nail and I am good to go.

[@terryt2910]

A great glued up video. Thanks. Very helpful. Three types of glue, often used by woodworkers, come to mind. 1. Contact cement. 2. Epoxy. 3. Spray adhesive. These are less specifically wood glues, but have a place in most woodshops. Thanks!

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Thanks Terry! I don't use epoxy much, mostly for plastics once in a while. I'm not an epoxy pour kind of guy. I know a lot of people love to play with it. Contact cement is a good one, usually for panels and finishing. Spray adhesive is good for temporary paste-ups, but never gives you a permanent hold.

[@achilleaskaragiannakos4410]

Hi Eric. Great review on glues., I really enjoy your videos. I store my CA glue in the refrigerator and it is preserved for a long time.

[@EricSorensenCanada]

That's a good tip Achilleas! I'm going to try that myself🙂

[@etiennedurup8072]

Hi Eric, for CA glue, I store the current one in refrigerator too but my replacement one is stored in the freezer.

[@anthonymc76]

Some great information on the types of glues. I also use 5 minute epoxy if I need a strong bond.

[@bansheeindahouz7594]

Thanks for the quick run down of these vids, much appreciated!!!

[@davidemarai6177]

Great video Eric! For the Gorilla Glue polyurethane glue, if it gets hard I usually boil water in a kettle put the hot water in a cup and put the gorilla bottle inside and let it warm up for few minutes and I can get to use it for almost a year when it starts to get more dense.. I found the best to buy small bottles so I don't have to throw away it after a year unless I have a big project to do..

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Thanks david! I've heard about this method. For fun I might try this with the old solid bottle I have. What I do now is store the bottle in a ziplock bag with a few silica packs. That seems to work so far (after 4 months).

[@krismckenzie1802]

Great overview. I like polyurethane construction adhesive. I use it fast enough that I don't often have tunes harden. If it does harden it is often just the tip. Just cut the tube open and use a putty knife. Of course at that point you have to use it or lose it.

[@sapelesteve]

Great video Eric! One glue that I really like to use is Hyde glue. It can be mixed as needed & is as strong as any type of wood glue. The other benefit is that it can be heated and the joined wood can be separated without much problem. I used it when I made my Acoustic guitar. 👍👍

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Thanks Steve! I didn't get into the animal glues, but I do know that they are commonly used for wooden musical instruments as well as antique restorations. I've never worked with them much myself.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic video, Eric! Thanks a lot for all the tips! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@juneritchie2498]

THANK YOU for this comprehensive, yet digestable, survey of glue types. I found it to be very helpful!!

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Thanks June! Cheers🙂

[@terryt2910]

I hope you didn't mean the glue was digestible!

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

Good review Eric. I’ve had success storing an open tube of polyurethane construction adhesive by taping on a nitrile glove finger over the cutoff tip. It also can be used at colder temperatures and has a longer working time than PVA glues. I’m starting to use it more frequently for general woodworking projects. It also fills gaps in joints.

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Yes, excellent points. It is usable in colder temps and is easier to work with than gorilla.

[@jxtdenco6984]

I screw on a larger wire nut

[@eddiestipe2009]

Beware of Gorilla Glue for glueing tubes in pen blanks. As the glue expands it can push the tube out . Other than that it is great glue. Eric thank you for your help on understanding the different types of glue and there use.

[@garyloudermilk5177]

Good overview on glues. Thanks

[@woodshopnerdery]

Great video. I agree all PVA glues are about the same. I was a Titebond user until I had to buy a bottle of Elmer's Wood Glue Max in a pinch. Now it is all I use. I see no difference in the strength or waterproof characteristic of the Elmer's compared to Titebond. It is not a better glue than Titebond as far as I can tell. But, I like it better because of the viscosity, it exactly the right amount of "runny."

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Elmer's works fine. It's just not as "cool" as titebond - LOL . The only formula that is really unique is their type 3. But again, you can use a polyurethane glue on outdoor projects and it'll work fine too.

[@woodshopnerdery]

@@EricSorensenCanada Elmer's Wood Glue Max is classified as a Type I, "waterproof" glue which is what Titebond III is classified as.

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Good to know! I bet its cheaper than titebond too.I'll have to go pick some up👍

[@edwardgardiner2887]

3M marine epoxy works well as an exterior waterproof wood glue

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Marine epoxy is good stuff. I've used it to repair vinyl siding.

[@ozziestrom9793]

Any glues with short shelve life even PL, some caulks and PVC I keep in the fridge before and after opening. The superglues have lasted a year or longer.

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Good advice! I will give that a try myself. Cheers🙂

[@dustisamust5602]

Useful info. Any "activator" works with any brand of CA.

[@ragingbullalf5790]

In Thailand translate that to, NO ACTIVATOR! Unless somebody knows different.....

[@mikemulligancopilotdesigns9904]

great video man! very helpful!

[@stanmashek3085]

GOOD VIDEO THANK YOU

[@mjschaeffer2112]

Great video and information.

[@hansberndorff3297]

Great Video. What is the best wood glue to use for complex glue ups where you need a long working time?

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Thanks Hans! Titebond makes "Titebond Extend Wood Glue", which will give you a longer working time. Of course, no matter what you use, the time shortens with warm weather and relative humidity.

[@garymyers3115]

What about titEbond III? It’s waterproof and good for outside/inside. Is I Tova type glue?

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Titebond 3 is somewhere in between PVA and Polyurethane. It has their "Advanced Proprietary Polymer". It is waterproof when it dries. I didn't cover it because I rarely buy it. It is the more expensive option when compared to the other PVA glues. Unless you're doing a lot of outdoor projects, it's kind of overkill.

[@glennriefenstahl3761]

Any suggestions on epoxy? When and where over other glues that you use. I’ve heard that baking soda can be used as and activator for CA glues but haven’t tried it yet.

[@EricSorensenCanada]

I don't use epoxy much except for when I need to repair something made of plastic. It doesn't have a long shelf life either, so its best only buy what you need. I've never tried the baking soda trick for CA glue.

[@MtnBike60532]

Tell us about the wall and barn door behind you. Visual screen for videos or is there more to it?

[@EricSorensenCanada]

It separates the back portion of the garage from the woodworking portion and helps keep the dust out. It also looks pretty good on video but that was more of a side benefit.

[@Nogavalde]

What about titebond 3? I tought it was the most used

[@EricSorensenCanada]

TB3 is fine, I just don't use it much because it's more expensive and it's overkill for indoor projects. For outdoor projects, I've started using construction adhesive and Gorilla gluePoly. All that to say, there are alternatives that are cheaper.

[@ragingbullalf5790]

your recommendation for cutting boards?

[@EricSorensenCanada]

I use Titebond 2 myself. It is safe for food and it holds up well. I have a thick end grain cutting block in my kitchen that I made 2 years ago and it gets used daily. It has a good coat of mineral oil and bees wax. No de-laminations and no issues with cleaning it in water. As long a it doesn't soak in water for long periods, you won't have any problems. Years ago, I made a big butchers block countertop with regular Type 1 PVA glue, and after 6 years it was still good as new. As long as it is sealed and you oil it periodically, all will be well.

[@ragingbullalf5790]

@@EricSorensenCanada Very detailed. Much appreciated. Thanks.

[@garymyers3115]

Is titEbond III pva glue?

[@EricSorensenCanada]

Titebond 3 is somewhere in between PVA and Polyurethane. It has their "Advanced Proprietary Polymer". It is waterproof when it dries. I didn't cover it because I rarely buy it. It is the more expensive option when compared to the other PVA glues. The shelf life as i understand it is 1-1.5 years. It will turn into a solid mass in 2 years.

[@usaf4dbt]

There's a better way to test glue, have your wife taste it, if she smiles then the glue is bad, if she gives you the stern look, then the glue is good to use. Don't tell your wife I said this!

[@EricSorensenCanada]

I get a stern look every time I buy a new tool🙃

[@usaf4dbt]

@@EricSorensenCanada Suggest you also buy her a new mop or broom, when you buy a new tool!