I recently completed two glue ups with panels made from three pieces each. The dimensions are 1 1/4" thick, 13 1/2" wide, and 7' long. During a dry clamp, the joints seemed tight, but after applying glue and clamping, I'm seeing some gaps—about 1/16" in places. This is solid red oak, and I'm a bit anxious since this is for a client's table top. My concern isn't so much about the strength of the joints but how visible these gaps will be after sanding and finishing. I'm hesitant about using filler for a table top, even if the gaps might not be very visible after staining it with a light whitening and a clear coat. Any advice on how to proceed without worsening the situation would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
From my experience, using filler usually ends up being pretty noticeable once you apply a finish. If the gaps really bother you, you might consider taking the panels apart and re-gluing them. To minimize waste, you can use a table saw with a 1/16" blade to cut along the line of the joints. Just a tip: sometimes, if one of the boards is stressed, it can change shape during the glue process, which might be causing those gaps. Just weigh your options and see if a re-glue is worth it!
I appreciate the insight! I'll keep that in mind as I move forward.
Thanks for the advice! I'm considering that if the gaps are too apparent after I finish sanding.