Glue spreader

**Wood Borer** · 2nd May 2004, 03:52 PM

For gluing those fine (handcut of course) dovetails I make a cheap and disposable brush from a satay stick.

Soak the satay stick in water for a few minutes to soften it up and then fan out the end by hitting it with a hammer on an anvil or equivalent. Any splinters that are loose can quickly be removed.

Advantage of this one is that it is small, cheap, easily accessible but best of all you don't need to clean it whilst you are mopping up excess glue, making sure the project is square, adjusting clamps and apologising to SWMBO for being a little bit short with her when she passed you the wrong clamp when the glue was almost set etc.

- Wood Borer

**derekcohen** · 2nd May 2004, 04:23 PM

I really like using the old butter knife for spreading glue. All kidding aside. Basically it is a cheap version (if you have old knives lying around) of a spatula, which I saw Rob Cosman use on his video Hand-cut Dovetails (and also Advanced Hand-cut Dovetails).

These butter knives have quite thin blades and are, therefore, quite flexible. I have long used stripped-down-to-the-core foam brushes, old paint brushes, bits of veneer, etc. But the butter knife/spatula works the best. Yes, I know it is not disposable - but it is cleanable (just wipe it down). The problem with the others is that they "gunk-up" - after one or two applications, even before you have considered tossing them in the bin. They are a hassle.

A spatula with rounded edges is not going to scratch timber. I'm going to make a couple to glue inside dovetails.

Regards from Perth

Derek

**Bob Willson** · 2nd May 2004, 05:19 PM

I'm going to make a couple to glue inside dovetails.

How strange.

**Theva** · 2nd May 2004, 08:20 PM

Butter knifes are handy when one wants to inspect their teeth; used as a dentist’s mirror.

Theva

**Robert WA** · 2nd May 2004, 08:38 PM

Spreading glue is easy, just give the container a shake without checking that the lid is on firmly.

Spreading glue where you want it to go is what this thread is all about. As to that, I accumulate plastic cutlery, knives and spoons, at every opportunity.

Next time you order a sweet and sour pork from your local Chinese take-away, tell them it is to be shared among 5 people and 7 kids and "Please can I have some cutlery for everyone, please. I meant to bring some but the kids were playing up and I forgot."

**MrFixIt** · 3rd May 2004, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by derekcohen
Now here is a hint - one of these will spread glue, the other won't.

Hi Derek

The one on the left (in your posted photo) is used for spreading tile adhesive

Regards

Peter

**Sir Stinkalot** · 3rd May 2004, 01:28 PM

I use broken hacksaw blades.

**journeyman Mick** · 3rd May 2004, 02:37 PM

Good idea Stinky, except where do you get them from? I've had the same blades in both my hacksaws for years now. ( I have a 14" cutoff saw, a 9" grinder, several 4" grinders and an oxy set)

Mick

**Zed** · 3rd May 2004, 02:53 PM

I like to reuse an old handsaw. you can make all sorts of stuff :

Glue spreader
face roughener
scrapers
push stick for table saw (I like the rubberised handles - very comfy...)
washers (seriously!!)

etc etc...

remember recently where AWR had a comp on where they reused pallets from the states ? they should run one for reusing old handsaws and see what people come up with.

**silentC** · 3rd May 2004, 03:23 PM

face roughener

Ahhh, that explains the Avatar

**soundman** · 6th May 2004, 09:58 PM

also remember the dishwasher dosen't know the difference between cutlery and spanners.

Just make sure it finishes before swmbo comes home.

don't forget the rinse aid.

**gatiep** · 7th May 2004, 02:20 AM

Derek

Take your set to the yacht club....yachties used to love them......they could hang them in the galley, maybe you can sell them and buy another plane! They are very safe, as it is impossible to cut yourself with them in rough seas

Cya

Joe

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