Woodworking Glue Quiz:
- All glues are the same; they all work on wood. – TRUE or FALSE
- There are many great types of glue, but only one that will do it all. -TRUE or FALSE
- All white/yellow glues are the same. - TRUE or FALSE
- Yellow glue is strong-White glue is only used by schoolchildren. - TRUE or FALSE
- There is no glue like the old hide glue. - TRUE or FALSE
- Aliphatic glue is superior. - TRUE or FALSE
- Formaldehyde glues are water-based. - TRUE or FALSE
- Water based glues are harmful because they will swell and twist wood. - TRUE or FALSE
- Thick glue is better and fills gaps and voids. - TRUE or FALSE
- More glue is better. - TRUE or FALSE
- More pressure is better. - TRUE or FALSE
- More catalyst is better. - TRUE or FALSE
- No glues will take a stain. - TRUE or FALSE
- Mechanical help such as biscuits or dowels is needed for best edge gluing strength. - TRUE or FALSE
- Miters and other end grain can be glued with any thick glue. - TRUE or FALSE
- Moisture content is important; gluing air dried lumber is not a good idea. - TRUE or FALSE
- Pieces should be assembled as soon as possible after spreading the glue. - TRUE or FALSE
- There are glues that will set in 3-5 minutes allowing very fast edge gluing of hardwoods. – TRUE or FALSE
- It’s OK to machine immediately from press/clamps. - TRUE or FALSE
- Heating the glue line will not speed the cure. - TRUE or FALSE
- “Water Resistant” on the label means the glue isn’t affected by water. - TRUE or FALSE
- Glues with toxic chemicals in them shouldn’t be used. - TRUE or FALSE
- Water based glues can be used as long as the temperature in the shop is above freezing. – TRUE or FALSE
- Shops don’t need to be humidified in the winter. - TRUE or FALSE
- It’s OK to glue bowed, bellied or twisted stock as long as it’s pulled tight with clamps. - TRUE or FALSE
- Glue performance can be easily tested in the shop. – TRUE or FALSE
- Powdered glues that require water for mixing are more likely to bleed through veneers than PVAs. - TRUE or FALSE
- Glues last forever; there is no shelf life. - TRUE or FALSE
Answers:
1. False - There are hundreds of different adhesives formulated for thousands of different applications. Choosing the correct glue for your project could determine its eventual success or failure.
2. True - Although many types of glue have multiple applications there isn’t one that can “do it all.”
3. False – White and Yellow glues (Poly-Vinyl Acetates) are formulated with different viscosities, solids contents and chemical modifications, for different applications.
4. False – Color has nothing to do with glue’s strength or quality.
5. False – There are few, if any, applications in which synthetic glues, such as PVA, can’t outperform, hide glues.
6. False – “Aliphatic” simply describes a broad family of organic chemicals that includes PVAs.
7. True – Formaldehyde glues, although they have different chemical components, are water based just like PVAs.
8. False – Most commonly used wood glues are water based and will not harm wood if high solids glues are used, assembly times allowed, and spreads are controlled.
9. False – Many applications require glue that is not thick. Although there are adhesives available that have gap filling qualities, just because glue is thick doesn’t mean it is capable of filling gaps and voids.
10. False – Actually, too much glue can result in a thick glue line and, hence, a weaker bond.
11. False – Too much pressure could result in a glue joint that is starved for glue and could result in a weaker bond.
12. False – Catalyst levels depend on the glue and specific catalyst formulations. Some catalysts speed cure as they are increased; others slow down the cure rate.
13. True – Although some glues appear to take stains better than others, there is no glue that is stainable.
14. False – Using mechanical fastening devices when edge gluing tends to weaken the glue joint by disrupting a smooth true edge joint that will provide maximum strength. Devices such as biscuits or dowels should only be used to maintain alignment or to add strength in miters and butt joints.
15. False – Gluing end grain may require sizing before gluing and the use of high solids glue.
16. True – Ideal moisture content for gluing is 6.8%, therefore, higher air dry moisture should be avoided. Higher moisture levels also result in wood movement after gluing with accompanying checks and splits. Lower moisture content may interfere with the glue’s ability to properly wet the surface.
17. False – Often, it is better to allow the glue to set for a little while before applying pressure.
18. False – Although there are glues available that will set quickly, strength is often sacrificed.
19. False – Regardless of the glue used, it is a good idea to allow it to cure for 24 hours before machining.
20. True – When using conventional PVA the cure rate is not affected by heating the glue line, in fact, bond development may be slowed.
21. False – Only glues that are “Waterproof” such as Resorcinol Resin will provide absolute protection from moisture.
22. False – Most types of glue are made with some chemicals that may be considered toxic. With normal precautions, most types of glue are completely safe to work with.
23. False – Although many types of glue are “freeze/thaw stable” many do not perform well at low temperatures.
24. False – Many shops become excessively dry during the winter causing numerous gluing problems because of resulting moisture loss from the stock.
25. False – Often, gluing bowed or twisted stock results in undue stress on the glue joint and glue lines that are either too thick or starved of adhesive.
26. False – Because of the myriad factors involved in gluing and testing, the only way to accurately measure glue performance is through a laboratory testing facility.
27. False – Once reconstituted, powdered glues actually have a higher solids content than many PVAs, and therefore are less likely to bleed through veneers.
28. False – All glues have a definite shelf life after which their performance deteriorates significantly.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF WOODSHOP SAFETY
1. Thou Shalt Never operate a machine when tired or while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any other mind altering substance
2. Thou Shalt Always wear eye protection and any other appropriate safety equipment
3. Thou Shalt Never place fingers, hands or any other body part in the path of a cutter, blade or other cutting tool while it running
4. Thou Shalt Never interrupt or distract a person while they are operating a power tool
5. Thou Shalt Never walk behind a table saw or any other power tool while it is being used
6. Thou Shalt Always disconnect the power to a machine while it is being adjusted, serviced or repaired
7. Thou Shalt Never wear loose clothing or jewelry while operating a power tool and will Always have long hair tied back
8. Thou Shalt Never operate a power tool that you are not familiar with or one that you have not had prior training on
9. Thou Shalt Never reach into a machine or at a machines blade or cutter while it is running
10. Thou Shalt Always keep machines and the machine area clean
For the Guild
Chest of Walnut
These hinges are nice when you don’t want to see the barrel of a regular butt hinge.
Every woodworker should have at least 3 hand planes. These include a smoothing plane, a jack plane and a jointer plane.