@workshop_companion: Glue joints that involve end grain – the ends of the long cellulose fibers that make up the wood – and typically weaker than joints that adhere long grain to long grain. There are two reasons for this, and the first is that wood is strongest along its grain. Keep the grain long, and the joint can be as strong as the wood itself. Glue the ends of the fibers to each other, and the joint can only be as strong as the glue – which is usually somewhat weaker than the wood. The second reason is that end grain wicks up the liquid glue and draws it away from the joint, often “starving” the assembly for glue. When this happens, the joint is weaker than it would be with sufficient glue. Fortunately, the strength of the glue itself is often enough to insure the durability of the joint. And while there may be little you can do about the grain direction, there is a way to make sure the joint isn’t starved. It isn’t just a matter of adding more glue than you would ordinarily need. You must apply the glue twice. allowing a short time between applications for the glue to partially cure.

Workshop Companion

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Tuesday 11 November 2025 21:06:11 GMT