Clamping time and curing time aren’t the same thing. Here’s how long to leave glue clamped versus fully cured for PVA, hide glue, and epoxy, plus how to reuse clamps on batches without sacrificing strength
Liquid hide glue vs hot hide glue: how they compare on strength, creep resistance, working time, and when each one makes sense in the shop.
Gluing naturaly oily woods like teak or cocobolo? Learn the solvent wipe, epoxy switch, and mechanical backup techniques that actually make joints hold.
When it comes to furniture making, strength is not the question we should be answering. Both hide glue and PVA form bonds that are stronger than the wood itself.
PVA open time is humidity-driven because it’s an evaporation cure. Epoxy open time is temperature-driven because it’s a reaction cure, and humidity’s main mischief there is blush, not extended working time.
Four methods I use to fill gaps in woodworking glue-ups: wood filler, sawdust slurry, wedges, and epoxy. Save your joinery without starting over.
