Glue-Up Day: Clamps, Cauls and the Dry Run
Table of Contents
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Wood glue gives you about ten minutes before it starts to grab. That's not long when you're hunting for a clamp.
Dry run, every time
Put the whole assembly together without glue. Set every clamp to the right opening and lay them out in order. If anything doesn't close, you find out now instead of with glue running.
Cauls
A caul is a straight stick between the clamp and the work. It spreads the pressure and keeps a panel from bowing. Waxed cauls don't stick to squeeze-out.
Squeeze-out
A thin line of beads along the joint means you used the right amount. Let it set until it's rubbery, then pare it off with a chisel. Wiping wet glue just pushes it into the grain, and it shows up again under the finish.
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