Update: I tried a new glue for some walnut drawer boxes and it failed hard

I was putting together some walnut drawer boxes for a kitchen job and tried a fast-set polyurethane glue instead of my usual yellow glue. I clamped them up like normal, but when I came back the next day the joints were weak and crumbly. I think the wood was too dry and the glue just foamed up without making a real bond. Has anyone else had this happen with PU glue on really dry hardwoods?

3 comments

3 Comments

ruby_rivera761mo ago

Honestly, anthonymurray is right about it being picky. It reminds me of how so many things now need perfect conditions to even work right. Tbh it's like my smart home stuff that just gives up if the wifi dips for a second. You get sold this strong, fast solution but it's actually fragile and needs you to baby it. Ngl it's frustrating when the "better" product makes you jump through more hoops for a basic result.

miamitchell1mo ago

Yeah everything is getting too specialized, you need a degree just to use basic stuff now right?

anthonymurray1mo ago

Failed hard" seems a bit dramatic. PU glue is just picky, it needs moisture to cure right. Maybe your walnut was bone dry and it just foamed instead of bonding.