Bob Smalser on Glue Joints
Bob Smalser knows woodworking. He’s got a lifetime of experience in building, gunsmithing, forestry, boat-building, and restoration work. He’s also written numerous magazine articles and books. You can read many of his articles here.
I ran across this interesting thread on the Sawmill Creek woodworking forum. Bob raises the question of whether or not the glue joints on your projects are reparable. Up until recently, I would have thought that you wouldn’t ever want your glue joints to come apart. But now I’m beginning to think a little differently. What happens down the road when you need to replace a part on one of your projects? Or a grandchild wants to have that old dresser you made restored?
I’ve learned that those who restore and preserve furniture professionally say never to use a glue that can’t be reversed. And when you think about it, it kinda’ makes sense. Imagine some veneer on a 200-year old dresser that was delaminating or needed replaced. How could you do it if you couldn’t break the glue bond cleanly and still preserve the integrity and value of the piece?
Just food for thought.