Steve Edgar Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 We have gotten around to winter temperatures here in Central Virginia. I am new to this group and hope I'm not duplicating another thread. What is the concensus as far as wood glue use in the colder seasons? I have a shop that is only heated when I am using it and glue is exposed to temp cycles. If the glue were kept warm (either bringing it in the house or buiding a small glue incubator) would that be advisable or is the wood also subject to the temp fluctuations? What are some of the other members doing to keep working in the colder months? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 Chalk temp of most wood glues is 50F or close to it. If you have ever used glue and seen the residue turn white instead of clear then you were below chalk temp. If you have seen this on joints then the joints are bad. Wood should be warmed to at least chalk temp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewyo Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 During application you can tell right away if your wood and/or ambient temp is too low, As you spread the glue it actually becomes chalky and more opaque; it doesn't act or appear as you are accustomed to. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 I've had many unheated shops in the past I've used a electric blanket to wrap a glue up in never had a problem just keep your glue in a heated space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 It's conversations like this and the one Vinn just started regarding wood movement that make me feel better about our 110% humidity and 98 deg. summer temps that translate to warmer winter months.I'm seeing the snow problems that some of you are having right now and I hope that improves quickly for y'alls sake. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Edgar Posted November 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 So, if I am getting this, it's the glue that needs to be kept warmer. How about the wood that you are gluing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 once your glue is on the the wood you need both kept warm at that point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 You keep your glue somewhere that doesn't freeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jfitz Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 it's pretty easy to build a "glue warmer" - a small cabinet with a light bulb or something inside should keep the glue warm enough. then you just need to heat the shop during glue application and curing time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefischbowl Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Hey Steve, I find the best solution (in VA at least) is keeping the glue warm in the laundry room in the winter months. Then when I do a glue up when it is under 50 degrees, I use a space heater to keep the garage warm while the glue sets and dries. It has worked for my projects thus far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 I keep the heat on about 65 for 24 hrs before I glue up or finish a project. It gets dropped to 55 over the weekend or when we are just cutting parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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