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My cheap wood glue finally gave out on a big box project
I was putting together a simple pine blanket chest last month, and I used this bargain brand glue I got at the hardware store for like five bucks. It seemed fine at first, but after a week in my slightly damp garage, a couple of the butt joints just popped right open with almost no force. I switched to Titebond III for the repair, and the difference is night and day. That stuff sets up strong and, in my experience, actually holds up to changes in the air. The cheap glue felt almost chalky when it dried, while the good stuff made a real bond. I wasted a whole afternoon fixing my mistake. Has anyone else had a glue fail on them like that, and what do you trust for indoor furniture that might see some moisture?
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harpery471d ago
Ugh, I learned that lesson the hard way with a wobbly bookshelf!
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river_allen1d ago
Watched my friend Jake put together a HUGE media stand without checking for level ground first. The whole thing leaned like the Tower of Pisa, @harpery47, and we had to take every single shelf back out. He was so mad he almost left it that way. Honestly that week taught me to always use a level, even if the floor looks flat.
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river_allen1d ago
Oh man, that sounds so frustrating! I read a woodworking blog a while back that talked about how some glues just don't have enough solids in them to make a lasting bond, especially with softwoods like pine. They called it a "starved joint." Your chalky description totally fits. I had a similar thing happen with a cheap glue on some outdoor planters. The joints looked sealed but they just crumbled apart after one rainy season. Now I won't use anything but a waterproof glue for anything that leaves the house, even if it's just going in the garage. That extra few bucks is so worth it.
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