Is PU glue the best for mortise-and-tenon joints?

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• Polyurethane glue, although it expands to fill gaps, has limitations when it comes to gap-filling strength.

  To achieve a strong bond, it is important to ensure that the gaps are not wider than what you would typically encounter when using yellow glue, which is roughly the thickness of a sheet of notebook paper.

  For larger gaps up to 1/16″, your optimal choice would be epoxy glue, as it excels in bonding across such distances.

  Liquid Nails Vs. Epoxy: Bond Wood to Concrete, Vinyl Wall Panel Molding, Loose Bricks, Baseboard to Plaster Wall

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• Efficiently applying glue plays a vital role in woodworking, and finding methods that simplify the process, enhance tidiness, and save time are always beneficial.

  Here are a few valuable suggestions for glue application:

  • Narrow surfaces: Utilize an old toothbrush, which conveniently matches the size requirements, ensures even glue distribution, and is easy to clean. To keep it free from dust, store it in a portable toothbrush holder.
  • Wide surfaces: Opt for a 3″ foam paint roller soaked in glue. Another useful technique is to modify an expired credit card with pinking shears, creating a sawtooth edge that spreads the glue evenly.
  • Inside corners: Before joining the pieces, apply masking tape to both sides of the joint to capture any excess glue. For final touch-ups, use the pinched tip of a drinking straw to scoop up any surplus.
  • Cracks and crevices: Apply glue along the crack and use a drinking straw to blow it deeper into the crevice. Alternatively, experiment with your workshop vacuum to draw the glue down into the joint.

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