How I learned the hard way about glue drying times

Last month, I landed a big order for custom kitchen cabinets. The client wanted them installed in two weeks, so I rushed the glue-ups. I used a fast-setting glue, but even then, I did not let it cure fully before sanding. The joints moved a bit, and I had to fix three drawer fronts. This added two full days to the job and cut into my pay. Now, I always wait for the glue to set completely, no matter how tight the schedule. I even check the moisture in my shop to see how long things will take. A bit of waiting now can stop big problems later.

2 comments

2 Comments

murphy.keith1d ago

Was it extra humid in your shop? I rushed a glue-up on a rainy day and the joints never set right.

emma_burns961d ago

But is a slightly loose joint always a disaster? I had a wobbly table from a humid day glue-up that's held up for like five years now (it's fine for books). Sometimes the glue just cures slower and stays a little rubbery, but it still holds. Are you sure the joints actually failed, or did you just panic and redo them too soon?