Face Frames -- To Glue Or Not To Glue (???)...

[Tom Chekouras]

I am making up solid oak face frames for some kitchen cabinets.  Since this was the first time with the Kreg Jig, I did a 'practice run'/prototype with standard #2 pine - they turned out great!  However - I did not use glue along with the pocket screws. 

Now I am ready to assemble the 'real deal' and am waffling over whether to use glue in addition to the pocket screws or not -- more importantly, is it necessary or advisable??

I clamp the FF components to a large piece of 3/4" MDF to assure a flat surface when driving the pocket screws.  I'm thinking, however, that glue squeeze out would end up on the MDF and thus 'crap up' the 'show' side of the face frames - so I would just as soon not use glue.

Your thoughts/experience?

 

Thanks!

 

Tom

 

 

[Daniel C Webster]

Glue is not necessary but provides a stronger joint.

[Ken Darga]

Tom,

Gluing the joined face frame members, isn't necessary, if the fasteners are properly installed.

If glue is used, insert some waxed paper between the frame face and the work top.

Glue squeeze-out won't stick to the waxed paper.

Glue squeeze-out will have to be removed from the exterior surfaces of the frames, before finishing.

Allow the glue to set a few minutes, then scrape off any exposed glue, using a scraper or equiv tool.

( A sharped card scraper is a very handy tool for this purpose).

Then followed by sanding to remove any traces of glue from the wood surfaces, that are intended to be finished.

I wouldn't use a wetted cloth, it will only cause traces of glue to be spread out.

Stain will not penetrate into the glue.

[Jay Boutwell]

Tom, I always use glue in the faceframe joints and never have a problem with glue squeeze out.  My method is simple, bore the pocket hole in the members apply glue to the joint and screw the member into place.  I use a flat surface bench to aid in holding the face frame and as soon as I am done with the pocket screws, I flip the frame over and using a mixture of about 50/50 percent water and white vinegar I remove the glue squeeze out.  Been doing this for better than 20 years professionally. 

On any wood joint I will make sure the glue is removed and the easiest method is using the vinegar and water mixture. 

Using white vinegar and water will remove the traces of glue from even complicated joints and insures no finish problems.  If you allow the glue to dry it has soaked into your material and in order to remove it you will have to sand below the debth of the glue.  In open grain woods like oak the quick removal of undesired glue needs to be done quickly or the glue will soak into the open grains. 

[Tom Chekouras]

Daniel, Ken and Jay,

Thank you for your responses.

As a result of the expertise you have shared with me, I have determined that IF I decide to use glue, I will go with the waxed paper and the vinegar-water solution.

Thanks again,

Tom

[Ken Darga]

Good tips, Jay

I'll have to try the ''vin and water'' method, and putting glue in the pocket holes with the screw.

I know if you say it'll work--- it'll work.

There's no ''bow-da-doubt-it''.

[ray vile]

Tom, I always use the vinegar and water to remove sqeeze out. I also learned this method from Jay. It works great. As a matter of fact it makes you want to eat a salad afterwards.