Replies

1. 
   Clay | Nov 17, 2004 03:35am | #1

   The main thing is to heat your wood so that the glue will grab and set properly.  A heat gun helps a lot and will do all that you need for small glue-ups.  If you are doing big jobs or lots of them it would be best to set up a space heater.  I have one of those little kerosene rocket jobs and it will heat up a garage, from below freezing to open the windows a little, in a couple of hours, even when there is snow on the ground.  A heat lamp is also useful and can be left on while the glue cures to protect from freezing.  A propane torch works if used skillfully but is too hazardous to be a comfortable system.

2. 
   JohnWW | Nov 17, 2004 04:17am | #2

   Ordinary yellow glue won't set properly and will have little strength if it isn't kept warm while it cures, which will take a full day or more.  Merely heating the glue while you assemble the joints won't solve the problem, the glued pieces will need to be kept warm for at least a day.

   John W. 

3. 
   DennisS | Nov 17, 2004 08:09am | #3

   mbl -

   I had a quick & dirty laminated shelf thing I needed to build for the wife so like you, I thought warming the glue would suffice. Only I'm too lazy to rig up a water bath, I put my glue bottle in the shop microwave for about 60 seconds. Glue got warm alright. Applied glue, aligned pieces, set and adjusted clamps then went in for lunch.

   Now we all know that in an hour's time one can at least remove the clamps from a TiteBond II glue-up job, right? Well not when the wood's at slightly over 40 degrees and the air isn't any warmer. Suffice it to say the thing literally fell apart when the clamps were removed.

   No, heating the glue won't help.

   In the past I've used one or two of the big 500watt halogen construction floods for 1) good lighting while assembling a glue-up job and 2) a heat source to get and keep the wood above the threshold of workability of the glue. They function along the lines of radiant heaters but are a lot safer since the the bulb is usually inside a sealed enclosure.

   ...........
   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
   Dennis
1. 
   MBL | Nov 18, 2004 12:58am | #4

   Hi Dennis and friends,Thanks for the good answers. Actually did not mean to rely solely on warming the glue, but whether or not it would help to warm it in some hot water, not to hot either, and definitevly not in a m.w. oven.Was hoping there were some background on this. This relates to some shops not being able to achieve ideal conditions in cold weather.Every thing said, so far makes good sense, though.Thanks.-mbl-

1. 
   DennisS | Dec 04, 2004 07:33am | #6

   MBL -I heat the glue up in the MW just to get the viscosity up to where I can get it out of the bottle! (grin). So far I haven't noticed it having any adverse affect on the bond strength of joints. But I do have a big old electric blanket I put over the work for a time before I start the glue-up and leave it on overnight. Works well as long as you don't end up gluing the blankey to the work! (haha)...........
   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
   Dennis

1. 
   SRToolguy | Dec 04, 2004 07:55am | #7

   I use a baby bottle warmer to keep my glue warm in the winter time but as was stated before it has little or no effect on open time. Cold materials will cool the glue before you have enough time to set the first clamp. Warming up the glue in the bottle only serves to make it easier to squeeze out of the bottle.

   However, on small items, you can microwave your wood to bring it up to a glueable temp and then it will have a normal set time. Experiment with a few scraps to get the right timing down.

    Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

1. 
   MBL | Dec 05, 2004 12:44am | #8

   Thanks friends,Yes, that's probably what it boils down to. Just to help apply it.This, would say, is preferable to adding water to the glue as this may overshoot and dilute the adhesive properties.Refilling the sub-container from the 1-gallon as bought, usually is enough. But sometimes there's quite a bit of glue in the sub-container and would rather use that one up. Adding new glue on top of it is not the preference, would like to use as much of it before washing it out and pour a total load of fresh glue.Hope the weather improves for everyone's wood-working. It's been unusual over here.Best wishes to all.-mbl-

2. 
   budreaux | Dec 05, 2004 04:30am | #9

   I've seen a guy use an old refrigarator with a light bulb in it to keep his glue and the like from freezing.  I just keep mine in the house.  I don't leave heat on unless I am in my shop.

4. 
   user-450633 | Dec 04, 2004 01:49am | #5

   Ambient has to be above 65 d during cure . Use old heating blankets if can not get shop temp up. Make sure glue is less than one year old too.