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Red Squirrel 05-21-2011 09:29 PM

Can you use only glue for small wood items?
If I was to build a small box-like item using 1x6 planks, say, 2 feet by 5 inches by 5 inches, can I get away with just glue, or do I need nails as well? What kind of nails (or screws) are best for something like this? Can I just use deck screws or will that cause the wood to crack? (I would predrill).

I guess if I want to get fancy I could use dovetails, too.

Leah Frances 05-21-2011 09:38 PM

It sort of depends on what you want to do with it. :whistling2:

hayewe farm 05-21-2011 09:39 PM

If you are talking about but joints on the corner you will need a fastener . Glue doesn't provide much hold on end grain. If you are mitering the corners glue will hold but fasteners may still be needed. Pocket hole screws are good, biscuits are good, miller dowels are good, Or you could counter sink and use screws and plugs.

Willie T 05-21-2011 09:39 PM

Yes, good glue (I use 2P-10) is usually sufficient if you apply and clamp it properly.

DangerMouse 05-21-2011 09:46 PM

Pre-drill, glue and screw and you should be fine.


Red Squirrel 05-21-2011 09:53 PM

Was thinking of using weldbond, is that stuff decent for wood? This is not something that really needs to be that strong but still needs to hold together and not eventually fall apart. Basically it will hold 2 4 gang boxes (they will be screwed in) and have plates on them. Building a 16 outlet power bar to replace my 3 power bars, so I can tidy up under the desk a bit.

I will most likely mitre the joints to give more glue surface area. I was also thinking biscuits or or dowels, is that something common I'd find at the hardware store? Guessing there is a special drill bit to make the right size/depth hole? I may go that route.

DangerMouse 05-21-2011 09:56 PM

I'd just rabbet the edges and glue/screw it together. It'd be more than strong enough.
That'd be the easiest/fastest way.


Willie T 05-21-2011 10:01 PM

Just to give you an example of the power of glue, the wings of my airplane don't have one nail or screw in the 26 feet of their span. Just epoxy. It really does work, that's why you won't find anything but glue in the frames of your better chairs.

oh'mike 05-21-2011 10:20 PM

Tight Bond wood glue--the joined surfaces will be stronger than the wood itself.

Red Squirrel 05-21-2011 11:01 PM

Wow that's some serious stuff!

user1007 05-22-2011 06:14 PM

I am a Guerilla Glue fan but would still use a fastener. Good clamps in either situation.

Why the opposition to one or two by the way? And is this box thing indoors or out?

Red Squirrel 05-22-2011 07:24 PM

I ended up using screws, I was not taking into account that I'd have to wait for the glue to dry before moving on, or things would get tricky. I am screwing everything together first, then afterwards I'll unscrew, sand some edges I cut crooked, and when I put it back together I'll glue and the screws will also act as the clamps. Once it's back together I'll do a final sanding to get everything lined up, and then paint. I don't have a very good work environment so it's a bit tricky. I want to build a shop but that's down the road.

Ran out of screws, I'll have to go buy more tomorrow. I hope they make 1x1's because I will need one to complete it. If I had a table saw I could cut a 1x2 but the thought of doing it with the circular saw does not sound like fun, or safe. :p

And this is definitely for indoors, being an electrical device that is not weather sealed.

Leah Frances 05-22-2011 08:03 PM

You still haven't told us what you're making.....

Red Squirrel 05-22-2011 08:23 PM

A 16 outlet power bar. :thumbup:

That will replace my 3 daisy chained ones under my computer desk. Basically 2 4 gang boxes with a wood enclosure around it. It will have two power cords, so one side will be UPS protected and the other side will only be surge protected.

I should have enough plugs with that.

Techy 05-22-2011 08:37 PM

he's building a something to plug a lot of somethings into one outlet. ;)
