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- Always dry fit a joint before applying glue.
- The tighter the joint, the lesser the amount of glue required, and the stronger the joint.
- When possible, glue long-grain to long-grain for maximum strength.
- Make sure surfaces to be glued are smooth, flat, and free of dust.
- Use sharp blades – dull blades glaze the wood surface and inhibit glue penetration.
- Glue oily woods (e.g., teak, rosewood) as soon as possible after surfacing the edges.
- Apply enough glue to form small beads at the glue line when edge-gluing.
- Do not over-tighten clamps. Use single-hand pressure.
- Space clamps approximately 6 to 12 inches apart for edge-gluing.
- Cut mortises a little deeper than the tenons to accomodate glue squeeze-out.
- Scrape off excess glue after it has partially hardened but is still pliable.
- Remove fresh glue in corners using a drinking straw with a notch cut on the end.
