Expert: Jamie Yocono - 11/19/2010

Question
What is the strongest wood glue I can use to bond wood for furniture making? Is there something stronger than wood glue I can use?
Thank you for your help!
-Woody G.

Answer
Woody,

There are a lot of different wood glues, and most of their positive properties depend on what you're making.

For example, boat builders who require absolute waterproof joints generally use epoxy. It's the best, but quite expensive.

The Titebond family of glues provide good value for your gluing dollar, and they are perfect for interior applications. You can't find a better glue for a piece a furniture that Titebond II.

Some woodworkers like Gorilla glue, which is absolutely waterproof, too, but lacks in gap filling properties. It swells up like spray-foam insulation, and is moisture activated. If you were building a home and had some lumber that was slightly damp, this would be the perfect glue for you.

Like I said, it all depends on what you're making. Maybe you can write back with a little more detail about what you're doing.

Here's a video that might help:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/Materials/MaterialsArticle.aspx?id=28853

If you find a particular article from Fine Woodworking magazine and don't have access to it, let me know and I can scan and send it to you. I have their complete library. Let me know the issue, page numbers, and your e-mail address and I will send a PDF if you need one.

Good luck, write back if you need more help.

Jamie in Vegas

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Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com