Many woodworkers lack confidence in their glue joints. The way to overcome this is by getting to know your products and materials. This is accomplished by experimenting and testing – particularly through destructive testing.
I continually test my off-cuts from every project. This provides a form of quality control testing that is specific to each project.
In this video I show a couple of the methods that I use to test my glue joints. Testing your joints to the point of wood failure will give you quite a bit of information. Close examination of the results will allow you to understand if you may suffer product failure in your project or if your woodworking techniques are falling short.
I advise caution when testing wood to the point of failure, but these methods are quite safe and easily controlled. Share the Love~Share the Knowledge
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com






















27 comments so far
Craftsman on the lake
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768 posts in 316 days
posted 192 days ago
This was pretty cool. I always know that my joints are tough but when you send something out of the shop, maybe never to be seen again you always still keep your fingers crossed. Thanks.
-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful. http://web.me.com/deceiver6/Deceiver/Craftsman_on_the_lake/Craftsman_on_the_lake.html
Scott Bryan
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20080 posts in 701 days
posted 192 days ago
Thanks for the video, Todd. I have always been reluctant to toss offcuts from my glue-ups and have wondered at times what to do with them. Like most of us here I have simply tossed them into my several offcut bins hoping to find a use for them down the road. This looks like an excellent use for these pieces.
Thanks for sharing this idea.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Peter O
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1005 posts in 753 days
posted 192 days ago
Great video Todd!
If you’ve ever had to disassemble a glued-up project, you really start to recognize the strength of the glue. You just can’t plan on re-using the parts because the workpieces break before the glue.
The only time I’ve had glue failure is when the glue was applied at very low temperatures.
-- http://www.north40custom.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --
Junji
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492 posts in 261 days
posted 192 days ago
Todd,
Thank you for your useful information. Testing is the most important! This is true not only for glue joints.
-- Junji Sugita from Japan, http://tetra.blog12.fc2.com/
Bureaucrat
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6922 posts in 531 days
posted 192 days ago
Very informative and useful. Thanks.
-- Gary, South Central Wisconsin. So much to learn, so little time!
Greg Wurst
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713 posts in 711 days
posted 192 days ago
Great video, and a great way to test your product without destroying it. Using cutoffs from the actual product is an excellent idea.
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
cabinetmaster
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8011 posts in 437 days
posted 192 days ago
Some very useful information there Todd. Thanks for the info.
-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps
gbear
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102 posts in 978 days
posted 192 days ago
Good information Todd but I would say you don’t even have to go to the point of breaking the wood.
When you have added enough pressure to cause the wood to severly bow…that should be adequate and safe for testing purposes.
-- gbear, Carmichael, CA
TopamaxSurvivor
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2834 posts in 555 days
posted 192 days ago
Thanks for the ideas and video. Guess I’m going to have to put you on the buddy list so I don’t miss these ;-))
-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.
Todd A. Clippinger
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5590 posts in 978 days
posted 192 days ago
Gbear- You’re probably right. I just can’t help myself, I have to break it.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Don K.
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1095 posts in 205 days
posted 192 days ago
Great video and Idea Todd, Thanks.
-- Don S.E. OK
Russel
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2033 posts in 818 days
posted 191 days ago
Good information and great video. Your presentations are highly pragmatic and very personable. When will we be seeing you on TV?
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
snowdog
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806 posts in 861 days
posted 191 days ago
What they said :) thanks for the vid. Nise production
I knew the glue would hold but never saw it tested. I am armed now with real information from observation. I love it.
Do you have your vids posted at a higher resolution anywhere? Just a suggestion but I appreciate when I can choose between low and hi res feeds.
-- "so much to learn and so little time"..
Mario
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880 posts in 930 days
posted 191 days ago
Great job, I would love to see more like it.
Thanks.
-- Hope Never fails
Todd A. Clippinger
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5590 posts in 978 days
posted 191 days ago
Thanks Russel and everyone else for the encouragement.
I plan on doing more videos in the future. It can be difficult since they take a lot of time and having my own business is a bit demanding too. But I certainly have plans!
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6991 posts in 1178 days
posted 191 days ago
Thanks Todd,
I’ve always had excellent success with my glue ups.
I have many projects that are 40 years old, when all I had for glue was Elmer’s white glue.
With the choices of glue they have nowadays, I have a lot more faith than ever.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Todd A. Clippinger
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5590 posts in 978 days
posted 191 days ago
Thanks for the input Dick.
I use Titebond the most, but I trust all of the manufacturers. Titebond is what my main supplier carries and is the most widely available glue at the hardware stores.
I want the other LJ members to know that the other brands are good and I did not want it to seem like an exclusive endorsement for Titebond.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6991 posts in 1178 days
posted 191 days ago
I’ve tried quite a few different brands with good results.
Most of the time, I buy what’s on sale, & by the gallon.
I haven’t had any problem with glue I’ve had for a long time either.
I guess it makes a difference where you keep it stored.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Dusty56
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3402 posts in 567 days
posted 191 days ago
Another great quality video full of useful information , Todd . Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to share with us : )
-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .
chadb
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12 posts in 208 days
posted 191 days ago
Todd awesome video! I really enjoyed it. You act like an old movie star :) Great Job!
Todd A. Clippinger
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5590 posts in 978 days
posted 191 days ago
Brian – I know what you mean and the article seems to offer a very logical and valid point.
I have talked to a couple of furniture makers here in town and discussed this very issue because I have read the same article. I have examined several restaurant style tables that the local shops have made and I know the makers.
Nobody I know personally is using this technique and none of the tables that I have seen developed cracks the way that the article indicated. These tables are several years old and get abused all of the time.
I simply jointed the wood and glued it up. I may find out the hard way – only time will tell.
I would be interested in hearing feedback from anybody that uses the technique and finds that it is actually better.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
jwarner75
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249 posts in 353 days
posted 190 days ago
Todd: Great Video dude… You been pumping them out like Crazy… I’ve not had the time to do anymore… Been low on resources and the likes.. but hopefully soon!
Handi
-- Jimmy "Handi" Warner, http://jwarner75.etsy.com, http://handisworkshop.blogspot.com
a1Jim
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15600 posts in 456 days
posted 189 days ago
Well done great idea
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
Blake
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2715 posts in 753 days
posted 187 days ago
Good video, Todd. This is something I don’t think I would have ever thought to do. Interesting results too.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Grumpy
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14852 posts in 730 days
posted 182 days ago
Great blog, thanks Todd.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
Joe Lyddon
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472 posts in 931 days
posted 51 days ago
Yes, very helpful & informative!
Good job!
Thank you.
-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"
Mark Shymanski
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1549 posts in 591 days
posted 46 days ago
Great information. Thanks!
-- ...it's rennovation time!!!