How long does wood glue take to dry

[p8ntblr]

Doing some glue up and as often the case I'm short on clamps so I can only do a few at a time. How long before I can safely remove the clamps?

[footprintsinconc]

here in az, i didnt even have to use clamps during the summer because the glue dried on contact .

when i did glue ups, i removed them after 30 minutes. i guess it would have to do with the temps and humidity that you are working in.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

You really need to tell use what type of glue you are using.

[cabinetman]

It seems like when it gets on your fingers it dries instantly. The yellow type glues will usually dry within an hour or so. It would depend on the wood used, and like Omar said, the temperature, and humidity. The complexity of the glue up may warrant a longer clamp time. Some of those I just let sit overnight. Over clamping can squeeze out too much glue and starve the joint, as using too little.

Some glue projects don't need the pressure of clamps, but rather maybe just held by tape, rope, wedges, bands, or anything that will exert some pressure until the glue dries.
.

[p8ntblr]

It seems like when it gets on your fingers it dries instantly. The yellow type glues will usually dry within an hour or so. It would depend on the wood used, and like Omar said, the temperature, and humidity. The complexity of the glue up may warrant a longer clamp time. Some of those I just let sit overnight. Over clamping can squeeze out too much glue and starve the joint, as using too little.

Some glue projects don't need the pressure of clamps, but rather maybe just held by tape, rope, wedges, bands, or anything that will exert some pressure until the glue dries.
.

Thx. I'll be using yellow wood glue on some particle board (which I'll be painting). It's still pretty warm around mid 70's. Pretty simple glue up, mostly biscuits.

[crokett]

Use a little more glue then - particle board and the cut edges of MDF like to soak it up and draw it away from the joint. When I glue particle board I apply the glue, let it soak in then apply more before setting the clamps.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Thx. I'll be using yellow wood glue on some particle board (which I'll be painting). It's still pretty warm around mid 70's. Pretty simple glue up, mostly biscuits.

Dude you are golden. I am out in my shop right now figuring out if I am good at 50 using TBIII LOL!

I asked what type of glue as even yellow glue has a pretty decent size range. Mid 70s it does not matter what you are using you are fine (and lucky)!

It is a good idea to take your wood glue and mix it with a bit of water and coat the areas that will be glued. Allow that to dry then go back and do a regular glue up. Particle board and MDF soaks up glue real quick and the joint will likely be starved for glue if you do not do this process first.

[LCHIEN]

for normal yellow glue like elmers and normal temperatures
I always feel like I can take off clamps in 20-30 minutes, the glue will not have reached 100% but will be like 60%, OK as long as you don't stress it too much. Woe be you if you WANT to disassemble it after 30 minutes...

You can always shoot a brad or two in it to hold in place before you take the clamps off. Lots of times I glue it and clamp it in place them I shoot the brads and remove the clamps immediately.

[Pappy]

You people are missing a man's obvious cry for help!

The man is seriously clamp challenged.

The only proper advice is to close the shop up for a couple of hours and go buy more.

[jhart]

Right on Pappy!!!

[SARGE..g-47]

You people are missing a man's obvious cry for help!

The man is seriously clamp challenged.

The only proper advice is to close the shop up for a couple of hours and go buy more.

And how many clamps are enough...? The answer cannot be idenified with a number as regardless of how many you have.. you always come up one short! Always....

[LCHIEN]

I have lots of clamps... the problem is my projects are not real large so I can only get about 20-30 clamps on at any one time then its hard to get any woodworking tools past them to continue...

Do you think a week is long enough to leave those clamps in place?

[p8ntblr]

You people are missing a man's obvious cry for help!

The man is seriously clamp challenged.

The only proper advice is to close the shop up for a couple of hours and go buy more.

Hah, you found my hidden message did you. I actually have a decent amount of 24" and smaller clamps (could always use more though) but unfortunately not too many of the bigger ones.

[ssmith1627]

I have four of the Bessey 24" and four of the 48-50". I was gluing up the case for a dresser the other day and had a heck of a time. I really need another four of the 48" variety. I have some pipe clamps but those only work for certain situations where you have enough clearance on each end.

I swear the gluing / clamping part in furniture building is as hard as anything. All these parts to line up before putting the clamps on. But you get one thing lined up and clamp it and that keeps you from adjusting something else. Glue dripping that needs to be wiped up.

Lots of magazine articles on how to make the parts we need. But where are all the ones on how to glue and clamp ? That's an art in itself !

Steve

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I have four of the Bessey 24" and four of the 48-50". I was gluing up the case for a dresser the other day and had a heck of a time. I really need another four of the 48" variety. I have some pipe clamps but those only work for certain situations where you have enough clearance on each end.

I swear the gluing / clamping part in furniture building is as hard as anything. All these parts to line up before putting the clamps on. But you get one thing lined up and clamp it and that keeps you from adjusting something else. Glue dripping that needs to be wiped up.

Lots of magazine articles on how to make the parts we need. But where are all the ones on how to glue and clamp ? That's an art in itself !

Steve

There have been a number of articles on glue up, clamp pressure, etc in the last few months in American Woodworker and FWW. A lot of helpful tips on glue up.