Types of Glues You Can Use to Put Together a Pirate Ship Playhouse
The use of fast- and slow-drying, transparent, permanent glues is an important factor for all types of woodworking. Today's technology brings with it new glues which do not necessarily spell an improvement over the more tried and true glues that have been in use for hundreds of years. Clearly, you must experiment with the range of glues on the market today.
Over the years, I have decided upon certain requirements that must be met before I use a particular glue for a project. Start out by asking some basic questions. What kind of abuse is the pirate playhouse to get?
Here the important factor is the strength of the bond of the woods and whether it will hold up with continued use. Is the playhouse likely to be exposed to water or extreme dampness?
A nonwater-resistant glue used in wood construction and lamination may cause the wood to delaminate or simply fall apart if no other external or internal pinning or bonding is employed.
Will the glue stain the wood? How long does it take to dry and fully cure? Shelf life, clean-up, and appropriate solvents must also be considered. A few woods, because of their oily nature, require special glue. Teak is one of these woods.
Making strong glue joints with glues applied in liquid form depends primarily upon a proper balance between gluing pressure and the consistency of the glue during pressing. The glue mixture, once it is spread on the wood, is variable.
The proper bonding of woods depends upon such factors as the kind of glue, quality of the glue, moisture content of the wood, temperature of the glue and room, the time between spreading and pressing, and the extent to which the glue-coated surfaces are exposed to the air.
To ensure a strong joint in wood a thin layer of glue, unbroken by air bubbles or small foreign particles, should be in contact with the wood surfaces over the entire joint area. Pressure should be used to squeeze the glue out into a thin continuous film between the wood layers, to force air from the joint, to bring the wood surfaces into intimate contact with the glue, and to hold them in this position for the duration of the setting and curing process.
The strongest joints usually result when the consistency of the glue permits the use of moderately high pressures. Clamps or other means of exerting pressure on the wood should be left intact, until they can overcome the interior stresses of the wood. This applies whether the wood is warped, very porous, or irregular in form.
Many woods have a spring-like quality to them, which usually poses no real problem to the woodworker. However, it still is the job of the glue to hold the wood together in spite of these obstacles.
Here again, experience with the glues listed and with various woods will provide you with the necessary information to continue building a variety of both large and small wooden pirate play ships, whether they are made of two or ten pieces of wood.
The following woodworking glues are recommended. Each has its own unique properties and qualities, all of which should be taken into consideration when the gluing phase of construction is approached.
Whether it will be easy or difficult to obtain a satisfactory joint depends upon the density of the wood, the structure of the wood, the presence of fillers, and the type of glue used.
Generally, heavy woods are more difficult to glue than lightweight woods; hardwoods are more difficult to glue than softwoods; and heartwood is more difficult than sapwood. However, these differences can be minimized if you do the following:
1. Prepare the wood properly for a smooth, tight fit, which will yield a better bond.
2. Use glue of good quality, making sure that it has been prepared and mixed properly just prior to its application.
3. Closely follow the details of the gluing process set forth in the procedural instructions of the pirate ship playhouse plans package.
4. Clamp tightly, allow to set in a dry environment, and always wait until glue is fully dried and cured.
Over the years, I have decided upon certain requirements that must be met before I use a particular glue for a project. Start out by asking some basic questions. What kind of abuse is the pirate playhouse to get?
Here the important factor is the strength of the bond of the woods and whether it will hold up with continued use. Is the playhouse likely to be exposed to water or extreme dampness?
A nonwater-resistant glue used in wood construction and lamination may cause the wood to delaminate or simply fall apart if no other external or internal pinning or bonding is employed.
Will the glue stain the wood? How long does it take to dry and fully cure? Shelf life, clean-up, and appropriate solvents must also be considered. A few woods, because of their oily nature, require special glue. Teak is one of these woods.
Making strong glue joints with glues applied in liquid form depends primarily upon a proper balance between gluing pressure and the consistency of the glue during pressing. The glue mixture, once it is spread on the wood, is variable.
The proper bonding of woods depends upon such factors as the kind of glue, quality of the glue, moisture content of the wood, temperature of the glue and room, the time between spreading and pressing, and the extent to which the glue-coated surfaces are exposed to the air.
To ensure a strong joint in wood a thin layer of glue, unbroken by air bubbles or small foreign particles, should be in contact with the wood surfaces over the entire joint area. Pressure should be used to squeeze the glue out into a thin continuous film between the wood layers, to force air from the joint, to bring the wood surfaces into intimate contact with the glue, and to hold them in this position for the duration of the setting and curing process.
The strongest joints usually result when the consistency of the glue permits the use of moderately high pressures. Clamps or other means of exerting pressure on the wood should be left intact, until they can overcome the interior stresses of the wood. This applies whether the wood is warped, very porous, or irregular in form.
Many woods have a spring-like quality to them, which usually poses no real problem to the woodworker. However, it still is the job of the glue to hold the wood together in spite of these obstacles.
Here again, experience with the glues listed and with various woods will provide you with the necessary information to continue building a variety of both large and small wooden pirate play ships, whether they are made of two or ten pieces of wood.
The following woodworking glues are recommended. Each has its own unique properties and qualities, all of which should be taken into consideration when the gluing phase of construction is approached.
Whether it will be easy or difficult to obtain a satisfactory joint depends upon the density of the wood, the structure of the wood, the presence of fillers, and the type of glue used.
Generally, heavy woods are more difficult to glue than lightweight woods; hardwoods are more difficult to glue than softwoods; and heartwood is more difficult than sapwood. However, these differences can be minimized if you do the following:
1. Prepare the wood properly for a smooth, tight fit, which will yield a better bond.
2. Use glue of good quality, making sure that it has been prepared and mixed properly just prior to its application.
3. Closely follow the details of the gluing process set forth in the procedural instructions of the pirate ship playhouse plans package.
4. Clamp tightly, allow to set in a dry environment, and always wait until glue is fully dried and cured.
ANIMAL HIDE
General Characteristics: This is a time-honored glue (made from animal hides and bones), having long been used extensively in woodworking. It is extremely strong and long lasting and does not become brittle with age. Thin coats of it must be applied to both surfaces and then allowed to become tacky before joining.
Drying time: Sets rapidly, five to fifteen minutes, at a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Uses: Joint work where there is no exposure to water. Application: Must be applied while very warm; better if applied hot.
Note: If you are using the liquid pre-prepared form, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you choose to purchase the cake form, soak in cold water, then heat in glue pot to 140 degrees and keep at this temperature for several hours before glue can be used for bonding or joinery work.
Six to eight hours is not an unreasonable time. The cold type of glue may be applied directly from the bottle. It's better if applied warm, however.
Drying time: Sets rapidly, five to fifteen minutes, at a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Uses: Joint work where there is no exposure to water. Application: Must be applied while very warm; better if applied hot.
Note: If you are using the liquid pre-prepared form, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you choose to purchase the cake form, soak in cold water, then heat in glue pot to 140 degrees and keep at this temperature for several hours before glue can be used for bonding or joinery work.
Six to eight hours is not an unreasonable time. The cold type of glue may be applied directly from the bottle. It's better if applied warm, however.
PLASTIC RESIN
General Characteristics: This is glue was introduced to the market several decades ago (made from minute resin particles) in the ready-to-use plastic bottle form. It is very strong and has very high water resistance, but is not altogether waterproof. Do not use it with oily woods, and keep in mind that it becomes brittle if joint fits poorly. If used with pegs and/or dowels, they must fit snugly.
Drying Time: Sets up hard enough to work within 5 to 6 hours. Clamping is an absolute necessity. Thorough curing requires twenty-four to forty-eight hours or longer if moisture or dampness is present.
Uses: Use in joint work and lamination.
Application: Apply cold.
Drying Time: Sets up hard enough to work within 5 to 6 hours. Clamping is an absolute necessity. Thorough curing requires twenty-four to forty-eight hours or longer if moisture or dampness is present.
Uses: Use in joint work and lamination.
Application: Apply cold.
EPOXY
General Characteristics: This is an excellent glue (made from resin) for the bonding of wood with dissimilar materials, such as metal, glass, plastic, etc. It is strong, resists heat, and must be used with a catalyst hardener usually provided with the purchase. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Drying time: Sets overnight. Sets more rapidly if placed in a warm room, but expect it to take up to twenty-four hours for best results.
Uses: Use for joining wood to wood, and wood to china, metal, or glass.
Application: Apply cold, once it has been properly mixed with hardener.
Drying time: Sets overnight. Sets more rapidly if placed in a warm room, but expect it to take up to twenty-four hours for best results.
Uses: Use for joining wood to wood, and wood to china, metal, or glass.
Application: Apply cold, once it has been properly mixed with hardener.
CONTACT CEMENT
General Characteristics: This is a liquid ready-mixed for use. It becomes extremely tacky with setting and the glue is not easily adjusted while drying process is underway. Its water resistance is very high and it is an excellent material for projects requiring lamination of veneer or thin pieces of wood.
A light-duty glue of moderate strength, it is usually used for large surface bonding, such as wall paneling and Formica tops.
Drying time: Sets in thirty minutes. It must be allowed to become tacky before use. Complete drying usually takes eighteen to twenty-four hours in a warm room.
Uses: Excellent for bonding of wood to leather, thin laminates, and soft, porous materials. It is lightly colored. Application: Apply cold, direct from can. Apply to both surfaces before clamping or applying weights.
A light-duty glue of moderate strength, it is usually used for large surface bonding, such as wall paneling and Formica tops.
Drying time: Sets in thirty minutes. It must be allowed to become tacky before use. Complete drying usually takes eighteen to twenty-four hours in a warm room.
Uses: Excellent for bonding of wood to leather, thin laminates, and soft, porous materials. It is lightly colored. Application: Apply cold, direct from can. Apply to both surfaces before clamping or applying weights.
RESORCINOL RESIN
General Characteristics: This is a one hundred percent waterproof glue of great strength. Several brands are available in liquid form with the catalyst supplied separately. Some brands are combinations of phenol and resorcinol resins. It is relatively high-priced.
Drying Time: May still be worked in the first thirty to sixty minutes. Drying takes up to 20 hours, but can be accelerated in warm or even hot environments.
Uses: Primarily for gluing lumber or assembly joints that must withstand severe service conditions. May affect the color of the wood because of staining properties. Excellent for playhouses since they are usually placed outdoors.
Application: Apply thin coats to both surfaces, use clamps. Quickly remove visible residue to avoid stains.
Drying Time: May still be worked in the first thirty to sixty minutes. Drying takes up to 20 hours, but can be accelerated in warm or even hot environments.
Uses: Primarily for gluing lumber or assembly joints that must withstand severe service conditions. May affect the color of the wood because of staining properties. Excellent for playhouses since they are usually placed outdoors.
Application: Apply thin coats to both surfaces, use clamps. Quickly remove visible residue to avoid stains.
WHITE GLUE
General Characteristics: An excellent all-around glue (made from liquid resin) which is readily available in small to large containers. It is inexpensive, non-staining, nontoxic, and good for small assemblies provided clamping of some type is used (string, rubber bands, tape, etc.). Water soluble and quick setting, this glue is a favorite among beginning woodworkers because of its carefree nature and ease of cleanup.
Drying time: Sets in twenty to thirty minutes with moderate pressure. Allow twenty-four hours for best results. Moisture will retard drying time.
Uses: Good for bonding of wood to wood, or wood to paper, fabric, canvas, felt, cork; used for light-strength gluing to plastic.
Application: To be applied directly from container. Do not allow glue to become warm, as this will precipitate drying. Both surfaces need not be covered with the glue. Spread the glue with brush or cardboard scraps, using finger to apply glue in hard-to-reach places or on contoured wood.
Drying time: Sets in twenty to thirty minutes with moderate pressure. Allow twenty-four hours for best results. Moisture will retard drying time.
Uses: Good for bonding of wood to wood, or wood to paper, fabric, canvas, felt, cork; used for light-strength gluing to plastic.
Application: To be applied directly from container. Do not allow glue to become warm, as this will precipitate drying. Both surfaces need not be covered with the glue. Spread the glue with brush or cardboard scraps, using finger to apply glue in hard-to-reach places or on contoured wood.
CASEIN
General Characteristics: Several brands of casein (made from milk curd) are sold in dry powder form; it may also be prepared from raw materials. It has a high to low dry strength and low resistance to water. However it is moderately durable under damp conditions. The glue has a pronounced dulling effect on tools and will stain some woods.
Uses: Good on oily woods and works well when cool. Must be mixed for each use. Good for joint work as a filler. If prepared from powdered form, it must be mixed in equal volume with water and continuously stirred.
Drying time: Drying takes from four to six hours at 72 degrees.
Application: Apply cold with a thin coat on each surface to be joined. Moderate clamping is optional, but helps to reduce air pockets.
Uses: Good on oily woods and works well when cool. Must be mixed for each use. Good for joint work as a filler. If prepared from powdered form, it must be mixed in equal volume with water and continuously stirred.
Drying time: Drying takes from four to six hours at 72 degrees.
Application: Apply cold with a thin coat on each surface to be joined. Moderate clamping is optional, but helps to reduce air pockets.