Tip of the Week
Glueing Up Stock
There will be times when a project you are going to make (tables, workbenches or home entertainment centers to name a few) will require wider pieces of lumber than are readilly available at your home supply store. Even if you could find boards in the width you need it would not be the best choice as wide pieces of lumber are very prone to cupping. In that case you will need to glue narrower pieces together to make a wider piece.
The first step is to true the edges of the stock of the appropriate width on your jointer/planer. Don't worry about the thickness of the stock at this point (as long as the thickness is fairly equal you're good to go).
Next lay out the boards edge to edge. If you have some pleasing grain patterns arrange them for the best appearance. Look at the end of the stock and note the orientation of the annual rings. You want to alternate these rings as in the illustration below (fig 1). This will equalize the stresses on the stock and helps prevent cupping. Next, draw a "V" on the laid out stock (fig. 2)from top to bottom (a grease pencil is best). The "V" mark is particularly handy if you are working with more than three pieces of stock. This will make an easy reference for rearranging the stock after you've applied the glue.
Fig 1.
Fig 2.
Stand the stock up on edge grouped together and apply your preferred glue to the edges, then lay the pieces flat onto your clamps using the "V" for reference. Use as many clamps as necessary for the length your workpiece. Also, place clamps on the top of the stock at appropriate distances apart to give even pressure over the entire length of the material. When everything is in place tighten clamps and set aside to let glue cure for the required time.
After the glue has set, remove clamps and use a paint scraper to remove excess glue from the surface of the stock (this saves wear and tear on the planer's cutters). You're now ready to plane the workpiece to its final thickness.
Previous Tips of the Week:
9/30/05 - Rust-free Garden Tools
7/25/05 - Storing Batteries
7/18/05 - The Router
7/11/05 - Drilling Holes in Plaster or Cinder Block
7/4/05 - Bathroom Sink Faucet Flow
6/27/05 - Cordless Power Tools
6/20/05 - Drill Bits
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