Problems with glued corners - Woodworking Talk

RKH42 · 05-04-2008, 01:57 PM

I made some small stands to hold small birdhouses as caps for my garden fence. The stands fit over the 4x4 posts and are basically a 4 x 4 square piece of pine with four 1 3/4 inch pine strips mitred at the corners forming a box. I am using TiteBond III to secure the mitred corners.

My problem: as soon as the weather gets damp the mitred corners pop open. I've shot brads into the corners, I even tried butting the corners and they pop open, too.

Any suggestions?

Roger

skymaster · 05-04-2008, 02:20 PM

Try Gorilla Polyurethane glue, may need gloves to keep your fingers clean man this stuff HOLDS and it doesnt care what :}:}:}

cabinetman · 05-04-2008, 02:53 PM

If all else fails including two part epoxies, try this. You would think you would need a permit.

Handyman · 05-05-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skymaster

Try Gorilla Polyurethane glue, may need gloves to keep your fingers clean man this stuff HOLDS and it doesnt care what :}:}:}

I second that.

gary696 · 05-05-2008, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skymaster

Try Gorilla Polyurethane glue, may need gloves to keep your fingers clean man this stuff HOLDS and it doesnt care what :}:}:}

Fine Woodworking Magazine (#192, August 2007) tested 6 glue types and found PVA (yellow) glues to be the best. Polyurethane came in last at 58% of the strength of PVA.

**TexasTimbers** · 05-05-2008, 09:40 AM

End grain does not glue well with yellow glues. Use a polyurethane like Gorilla or an epoxy like cabinetman suggests and it won't come apart.

mike65072 · 05-05-2008, 06:31 PM

Exterior wood will expand and contract. I'd try something that will expand/contract as well...maybe caulk or a silicone based adhesive. Good luck, Mike