Thread: How to stop glued pieces moving when clamping?

You could try using dowels, biscuits or as some of the others guys will say Dominos. It all really depends on what you are gluing.

make sure your clamps are strait otherwise the will pull the pieces one way or the other. Make sure you work your clamps tight gradually ie. dont tighten one up all the way amd then the next etc.
I would say get your clamps pulling strait would be the best place to start.
Scotty

I'll sometimes drive a few short wire brads into one glue-face and clip the heads to a point before gluing. They don't really add any strength to the joint but they certainly help lock it into place while clamping!

I've also heard of people sprinkling a few grains of sand onto the glue.

nails.

Originally Posted by apricotripper

nails.

Bloody big ones!

Mick

Wixy,
Gluing timber can be frustrating at times, If you are gluing pieces say 2.00m or so long, firstly put your clamps on the bench ready for the timber,
first clamp 150mm in from the end next one 900mm etc, lay your timber on top adjust the clamp to the required width, then stand timber on edge and run some glue then lay down in position, gently start to tighten your clamps, when finger tight place another clamp in between the first and second and third and so on so as every alternate one are the opposite way up and are approximately 450mm apart. You can then go along and gently tighten all clamps with an even pressure making sure the timber doesn't slip or slide in the process, also watch that the timber is hard down on the first clamps or you may endup with a twist.
You can also use biscuits, dowels, strips of ply (Feathers) etc in conjunction with the above.
OK that is a bit long winded, like giving a sermon, however I trust it will help.
Cheers,
Ron.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

I've also heard of people sprinkling a few grains of sand onto the glue.

Geeeze you woodturners are a strange mob

I find it best to use the minimum amount of glue required, apply the glue to all the surfaces to be bonded smoothly and evenly, place the parts together and let them rests for five minutes or so, then after that time adjust the parts (if required to get alignment) then and only then clamp. The parts are less inclined to slip or break the contact because the fluidity of the glued joint (if that is the right word) has reduced.

For difficult / unique shapes use rubber bands and if required a picture framer's strap or similar.

Originally Posted by Lignum

Geeeze you woodturners are a strange mob

Ahem. I was actually thinking of a certain darksider cabinetmaker when I mentioned that!

I usually cut my timber oversize an glue it up like that then trim it up on the saw. I don't like using biscuits or dowels as I am often cutting through the panel that is made and I don't want biscuits or dowels showing in any of my edges. If cutting it oversize is no an option you can always rub the glued joints together until they are tight then cramp them lightly at first and use a rubber mallet to tap them on the end so they line up ncely.

Some glues are more slippery than others. Apparently white glue slips more than yellow glue.

I've found I have to clamp in all directions. If gluing planks together to make a wide panel, I use small F-clamps at the ends of each glue line to hold them together, as well as the pipe clamps. Cauls are useful, too.

If gluing up a carcass, I use corner brackets to keep it all square and lined up. And yes, thin wire brads, where they can be made invisible.

I had the best improvement when I invested in some Bessey-K clamps. The square clamping ends on these clamps help to keep things lined up and square.

Originally Posted by wixy

I'm a newbie woodworker, and am having some problems with clamping pieces of wood together once glued. As soon as a I tighten the clamps, the pieces move. Very frustrating.

Can anyone offer some advice on how to stop this from happening?

Biscuit joiner is the way to go,cheap from Bunnings.