Took me 8 years to figure out I was using slow glue wrong

Using standard slow-set glue for big jobs. Thought it was just fine. Then a guy named Mike at the Austin cabinet shop I sub for watched me glue up a panel. He asked why I was using that stuff for face frames. Told me I was wasting time. Switched to a medium-set glue like Titebond II Extend. Cut my assembly time in half that week. Anyone else use the wrong glue for years?

2 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

2 Comments

lunaw722mo ago

Mike at the local hardware store in Portland set me straight about the same thing back in 2019. I was using original Titebond for everything including dovetailed drawers and big table tops. He said I was making my life harder than it needed to be. The slow set glue has its place for complex assemblies but for simple face frames and most joinery it just slows you down. I keep both types now and grab the medium set for 80% of my work. It speeds things up a lot without giving up strength.

1

wright.michael2mo ago

Hold on, I gotta disagree with you there. For us one-man shops, that slow set stuff is GOLD. I've been running a pressure washing rig for years and my hands are shot, so when I'm building a big cabinet carcass I NEED that extra open time to get everything squared up and clamped. I'd rather drink a coffee while the glue's still wet than rush a panel and fight it later. Different strokes for different folks, but I'll die on that hill. Good on you for finding what works though.

1