gluing wood together when building an enclosure

[myjaja 10+ year member]

What would be the better way when gluing the wood together. Gluing the wood together with liquid nails then making pre-holes and drilling screws into the wood or drilling the screws into the wood then gluing the sides of the box?

Ive seen it done both ways.

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[ahole-ic]

Liquid nails isn't as strong as wood glue.

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

Predrill, countersink, glue, clamp, screw. I put on liquid nails as I assemble the box just to make sure everything is sealed.

 

[myjaja 10+ year member]

Predrill, countersink, glue, clamp, screw. I put on liquid nails as I assemble the box just to make sure everything is sealed.

I dont have a clamp, you think I can get by without it? Like if I predrill, glue, then screw while having another person hold it together as I drill?

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

If you use screws, you can get away without using the clamps, but clamps are still nice to have anyway. You can get a pair of 4ft clamps from Harbor Freight for bout $25.

Just be sure to predrill and countersink the holes and go at least 1inch in from the corners or you'll risk splitting.

 

[jeremyg1 10+ year member]

I usually predrill and countersink the top board, add glue to the panel I am attaching, secure it with a 90 degree clamp, extend my predrilled holes into that board, then screw and clamp.

90 degree clamp:

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

If you do not have clamps then you have use some type of force to hold it together while the glue sets. Screws will work and is done all the time.

Make sure when you glue the pieces together that you are not just tossing a bead down. It is better to smear it around a bit and get an even coat where the wood will meet.

 

[jeremyg1 10+ year member]

go at least 1inch in from the corners or you'll risk splitting.

This^^^^

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

If you use screws, you can get away without using the clamps, but clamps are still nice to have anyway. You can get a pair of 4ft clamps from Harbor Freight for bout $25.
Just be sure to predrill and countersink the holes and go at least 1inch in from the corners or you'll risk splitting.

This, and when you drill it in especially on a corner apply plenty of vertical pressure to the drill and drill in quickly. If you haven't already, you may want to play around with different sized drill bits until you find one that gives you plenty of strength and doesn't split the wood. The one I use is around 1/16" in diameter

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

I forget the size of the bit I use but its a bit and a countersink all in one. I think its called a Screwmate and is made by Stanley. They are kind of hard to find but you can find them at specialty tool shops. The design has been changed/cheapend over the years, so there are some well made ones and cheapass ones, be sure to compare so you arent buying junk.

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

Go to HF and buy some clamps they are like $3 -$8 bucks depending on the size u want. They are not the best but they will get the job done plus its always nice to have some for ur next box. Just an example - 12" Quick Release Bar Clamp 18" Quick Release Bar Clamp http://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-bar-clamp-96213.html

 

[sacsking916 5,000+ posts]

you could do like someone else did, and use liquid nails and wood glue ha ha. little excessive IMO but it gets the job done. i didnt use any clamps on my box. just countersunk. glue then screw.

 

[on1wheel01 10+ year member]

I use tite bond 2 and screws and also clamps. I have around 20 clamps but need more. Current box im building is 41w by 40 deep and I dont have nearly enough clapms for this so screw come in handy. I also use caulk for the inside seams for sealant. Liquid nails can harden and crack so it isint the best sealer

 

[dbeez 5,000+ posts]

3/32 drill bit for the pre drill

 

[slim2fattycake 10+ year member]

dont buy any plastic clamps if you do buy clamps. they are complete ****.