I'm looking to glue some wood scraps together to create a larger block for practice on a lathe. My dad warned me that any air bubbles in the glue could cause it to break apart, which sounds pretty dangerous. From your experience, what's the safest and most effective way to glue these scraps? Do I need any specific tools to keep it secure on the lathe? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
Just a heads-up: glue at the ends can be weaker. In my experience with segmented bowls, the failures usually come from user error. I recommend using Titebond 2 for a strong bond!
When applying glue, you should put a thin, even layer on both surfaces and then clamp them together. I like to use a thin shim or even an old credit card to spread the glue evenly. That helps ensure you don’t have any weak spots.
Gluing them up normally should work fine! Just remember, when you're turning at high speeds, it’s possible for chunks of wood to break off, so always wear your PPE. If you're looking for a simpler practice piece, consider grabbing some fresh wood from a recently felled tree. Green wood is super easy to work with and you can often find it for free from downed trees.