Thread: Advice for Gluing up timber

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

It leaves a dark glue line, requires accurate mixing, has a much longer cure time and has more health hazards (in the unmixed/uncured state).

I have not had any issues with mixing - its no more difficult than epoxy (which also requires accurate mixing for best results).

Glueline visibility might be an issue, depending in timber species. Some might actually like the glue line visibility for some projects. I have not found it to be an issue with any but light colour timbers.

BTW - the unset glue cleans up with water (but nothing will easily clean it up once it is cured!)

Toxicity of the un-mixed glue is less than that of PU glues - but BOTH need to be used with care. Just because you can readily find PU does not mean it should be treated lightly

Hazard Statements - Resorcinol
H315 Causes skin irritation.
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
H351 Suspected of causing cancer .
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.


Hazard Statements - PU
H330 Fatal if inhaled.
H315 Causes skin irritation.
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
H351 Suspected of causing cancer.
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.


Don't confuse resorcinol with Urea Formaldehyde or Phenol Formaldehyde where joints can suffer from off-gassing after setting.

My experience with one part PU glue (admittedly a long time ago now - I hate the foaming mess) is that it works OK in the short term, but suffers longer term degradation & ultimately fails.

Resorcinol is not easy to find in small quantities, and can be expensive. When I used it, I had some given to me from a manufacturer.