Adhesives for Woodworking

We've Got You Covered When It Comes to Woodworking Adhesives and Glue Guns

Woodworking is a craft that requires great skill, patience, self-control, and attention to detail. Its craftsmen produce some of the most durable, aesthetic, and high-quality products available in a number of industries. Industrial woodworking includes the production of timber (supply wood for DIY projects) and wood-based products/supplies for industries like furniture, cabinetry, carpentry, boat design, flooring, framing, and general assembly. Such a vast industry also requires the use of specially made products that assist craftsmen and assembly workers in manufacturing and assembling wood-based products. These include blades and cutting tools, fastening bits like nuts and bolts, and industrial-quality adhesives and glue gun or bulk hot melt applicators.  

Gluegun.com offers a variety of industrial adhesives, glue guns, and accessories that can help you handle any application in any industry, including woodworking. With our expertise in the industry, we are proud to recommend to you some of the most high-quality and affordable products coming from a variety of reputable brands.

Finding the Right Woodworking Adhesive

In the end, choosing the correct type of glue for a woodworking project enables a masterful worker to create strong, solid final projects that are built to last. The standard yellow carpenter’s glue can be great for touch-ups and repairs but there’s a lot more to learn about adhesives for woodworking before you choose a product. 

Considerations for Adhesive Selection

Examining the wood you plan on using is the first step in selecting the right glue for your project. The cut of the wood, how the pieces fit together, and the rate in which the wood absorbs glue are all factors to consider during your decision-making process. If the glue is absorbed into the wood at different rates, the joint is likely to fail at some point. 

The moisture content of wood is one of the most important factors, Liquid glue is not able to properly absorb into a saturated surface, even if it’s just moisture. Wood that is too moist will shrink away from the joint as it dries and this can cause the joint to weaken, and ultimately fail. Wood that is too dry is also a concern because it can absorb too much glue and leave too little glue to adhere the joint together. Besides moisture content, another environmental condition to consider is temperature. Each glue will have instructions on the proper working conditions on the label.  

when gluing wood joints together, you'll also want to pay special attention to the quality of the surface. A smooth, flat, and unsanded surface is ideal when gluing two pieces of wood together without gapes. If you need a smooth surface, use a planer or jointer, if necessary, to create a smooth, even surface for the wood you are using.   

What Type of Glue Does the Job?

A huge factor in the quality and strength of glue joints is the type of adhesive that is used. Will the joint be regularly exposed to the elements, such as rain and snow? If so, you will need to choose an adhesive that is meant to endure moisture. Will the joint you're using be bearing weight, such as the weight of people on a bench or chair? If so, you'll need to find glue, resin, or epoxy that's meant to be load-bearing. Keep these needs in mind when you're choosing an adhesive for your joints, or you may find they can't hold up to the tasks they're designed to accomplish.

If you plan on clamping the wood joints together, pay special attention to the setting times for the adhesive you choose and make sure you're able to keep the joints clamped safely, out of the elements, and at the correct temperature according to the adhesive's specifications. 

Some adhesives will require additional preparation before use. They may need to be mixed or warmed before applying. This means that you'll need to add in extra time for the completion of the project and have all the joints and other elements you're gluing available and ready. If you've prepared for a complex project with lots of parts, and the glue you've chosen sets too quickly, you may not be able to assemble the entire project in time. Because of this, you must always take the project time into consideration when choosing the proper adhesive.

Adhesives and Dispensing Options for Woodworking

GlueGun.com has a variety of wood adhesives, glues, and accessories to help you make your next woodworking project a success. If you're unsure where to start, here's a basic rundown of some adhesive types.

Hot Melt Glue Sticks for Woodworking 

Infinity Bond WoodTac is specifically formulated for woodworking and furniture applications. With a medium set time and ability to bond to a variety of other substrates, this versatile glue stick is a favorite of the woodworking community. Another hot melt glue option for woodworking is the Power Adhesives TEC Bond 1942 which is specially formulated to work well with wood, plastics, and light metals.

Each of these glue stick options is compatible with the Infinity Bond Scout glue gun. The lightweight and sleek design of this gun and it’s features like, stroke adjustment for precise dispensing, makes it the ideal gun for your woodworking project needs. 

Polyurethane PUR Hot Melt Adhesive for Woodworking

Dispensing from a PUR glue gun, PUR hot melt offers a uniquely strong bond that continues to strengthen as it reacts with moisture in the air. Applications that require a stronger bond or higher endurance to the elements may benefit from using a PUR hot melt adhesive. PUR also offers a longer and more exact open time, which makes it ideal for woodworking projects. When selecting your PUR hot melt, there are a few options. Choosing the right PUR hot melt depends on how much open time you need to work with the glue before it begins to cure. 

The PUR 3000 applicator from Infinity Bond is the perfect hot melt gun for your PUR dispensing needs. It’s compatible with any of the Infinity Bond PUR or hot melt 50-gram cartridges and offers exceptional performance with an unbeatable price. 

Knot Filling for Woodworking

Knot-TEC adhesives have are great for a variety of applications in woodworking. Whether you need to fill knots or repair scratches and blemishes in wood, the Knot-TEC kit has the tools necessary for working with floors, furniture, door & window frames, caskets, furniture, etc.

Questions? We Are Here to Help

Whatever the project, Gluegun.com has a solution that will work with your specifications. Not sure which adhesives or accessories are the best for your next woodworking project? Contact us. We are happy to help you make your next project a success.

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