Which wood glue would do?

[pennymachines]

Never giving much thought to the question of which glue is ideal for slot machine cabinet repair/restoration, for years on most projects I've opted for Evo-Stik exterior wood glue. My thinking: I don't use much of it; I'm only going to do the job once; no need to pinch pennies; why not use the best?

But as I went to pick up a new bottle at B&Q yesterday, my reasoning was questioned by she who monitors the household budget. As I struggled to defend my choice, I realized it was largely based upon ignorance. Besides, the difference in cost between a bog-standard cheapo PVA and Evo-Stik wood glue is pounds, not pennies.

Many questions come to mind:

I chose exterior for its water/weather resistance, but if the machine's left outdoors or in damp storage, wood joints will be the least problem.
It contains a biocide, which might discourage the little wood-eating grubs from entering via the joints, but usually their first point of attack is the plywood.

Is PVA the best option anyway?

A problem that soon becomes apparent is that it doesn't absorb wood stain as readily as the wood itself, which can result in unsightly joins. Also, if it gets on to the wood surface (as is likely) it leaves a residue which affects the finish — especially on open-grained woods like oak.

A selling point of PVA is that it can make a join stronger than the wood itself. In fact this seems to be true regardless of brand or price, as demonstrated in these hair-raising youtuber's experiments:



But is a glue with a permanent bond stronger than the wood itself what we want when restoring valuable antique artefacts? Shouldn't everything we do be reversible and, where possible, using contemporary materials, e.g. hide glue (another dilemma for us vegetarians)?

Today, woodworkers choose both forms of hide glue primarily for the leeway (i.e., reversibility) it offers as it dries and its natural lubricating properties. It creates lasting, yet flexible joints, which is why many antiques are still repaired with hide glue. Using this adhesive preserves the quality of antiques and honors traditional craftsmanship, making it the best wood glue for furniture of bygone eras.

The Best Wood Glues of 2022

Anyone have any thoughts?

[badpenny]

My woodwork teacher at Whitley Abbey Comprehensive always had a pot manufactured of indistinguishable material slowly bubbling away above a very low gas burner.
The teacher's name was Shelton, he told us he had been in Aberfan 21 October 1966 and had been shovelling until he was exhausted.
Two things about him that made us all shrink away from him were ...
- He told us that the foul smelling contents of his warm glue pot was mainly melted wild rabbit he had snared himself.
- When telling us anything theoretical about woodwork, he made us sit on our work benches with our feet dangling. He'd walk around among us delivering his words of wisdom. Suddenly he'd slide his hand down a boy's leg and heavily grip either side just above the knee cap and squeeze until he achieved a scream. His choice seemed random, however on reflection, it might not have been.
Times were different then.
Still when it comes to Wood Glue, it's what I predominantly think of.

BP

PS for years I used Cascamite

[bryans fan]

I have always used the evo stik weatherproof (blue) / (green) normal wood adhesive with excellent results. I would not use rabbit skin glue for many reasons, not least because I have been veggie for nearly 40 years.

[aristomatic]

Toolstation has x1L green @9.99 and blue x1L @ 11.99

[treefrog]

I used to use Evo blue, but have now switched to Gorilla Glue for a simple reason... it has an excellent top that never blocks up and gives a even flow when using. Even though marginally more expensive, I cannot think how many glue bottles of other varieties half full have gone in the bin. I use a large bottle every two months - great stuff.

[badpenny]

I have a preference for Evo Impact and on average can sniff my way through two medium sized ones a week.

[brigham]

... I would not use rabbit skin glue for many reasons, not least because I have been veggie for nearly 40 years.

I don't think the idea is to DRINK it!

[arrgee]

He told us that the foul smelling contents of his warm glue pot was mainly melted wild rabbit he had snared himself

Our woodwork teacher told us that the bubbling brown stinky glue over the gas ring was made from horse and cow hooves. I can still recall that smell of glue now. The teacher was a small Welsh man and very tolerant and lenient towards us and possessed hardly any discipline. I cannot ever recall him raising his voice (perhaps he had a 'bad' war). By contrast our metalwork teacher was very strict and would think nothing of giving a lad a 'clip around the ear' if the lad needed it. His name was Ike Gradwell and we called him red Ike as he was the local communist party leader and candidate for the town. One of the pupil's father caused quite a rumpus at the school as he would not let his son be taught by a communist.... Interesting days.

[john t peterson]

Great stories, Mates. Now, if someone would chime in with a good one about the Catholic nuns and a ruler....

J Peterson
Glued to the screen, USA

[badpenny]

The funniest Nun with a ruler gag is to be seen in the Blues Brothers.