Why I’ll Never Glue End Grain (And Why You Shouldn’t Either) | Woodworking Rants

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Published 2024-01-30
There still appears to be a debate on this topic, so I wanted to put my two cents in.

The following are channels I referenced in my video. Both are very well done and definitely worth a watch, if you haven't seen them already:

Patrick Sullivan:    • Glue Myths:  1. End grain  
Stumpy Nubs:    • A misunderstanding of the end-grain g...  

My own video on how I made the chairs:    • Making DIY Chairs From Repurposed, Sc...  

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The nails I used to reinforce the frame are called V Nails. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find them at any physical hardware stores, so I had to get the ones I saw on Amazon. It's worth going to your favorite hardware store and asking if they have them or can order them; but if not, these are the ones I got (this is an affiliate link, so I will be earning a small commission from any purchase): amzn.to/3SnbOfX

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Intro
4:50 - First Reason
6:45 - Main Reason

All Comments (21)
  • @marchingknight11
    I was already on your side before clicking the video, absolutely! However, I think most people who argue in favor of gluing end grain will also argue that they're not making things they expect to last 100 years. It's a valid argument, as long as they're making it for themselves. But yours is valid, too: you don't know what a project's life is going to look like once it leaves your shop, so you should put in the extra effort to make it last. Love you videos! Looking forward to the next one! Please tell Waffles I love her!!!
  • Your musings are very deep. I confess to being a fan of plywood for more structural pieces, but this is quite thought provoking, thanks
  • @spin4224
    Your wit and humor you toss in with your informative presentations, makes frame building 101 a favorite subject! Discovery through creativity is what wood working is quite often. Seems you have the interest, and talent, to take your current hobby, to a possible next level of professionalism... 'a slightly stronger, still crappy bond'..priceless description! 😂✌🏼
  • @Harko-
    Welcome to the “Frame if I could” channel! Jokes aside, in my experience your explanation about wood movement is indeed the dominant factor for needing reinforcement. Over the years I have made many small decorative items out of quality plywood. Gluing end grain to side grain for the esthetics of the piece. Without having space for reinforcement. As plywood generally does not move, those are pretty sturdy joints. Not suitable for structural joints, like a chair. But for small decorative items it works. But only because of the different behavior of plywood. Thanks for another great video, looking forward to the next picture frame build 😜.
  • @johnford7847
    Sixty years ago, I learned from my grandfather not to glue unreinforced end grain. His training is ingrained (sorry, couldn't resist) in me and I see no reason to change. Nice video. Clear reasoning and explanation. Thanks for sharing.
  • @dejalpa
    I really like the picture you put in this frame! As for the the woodworking rant, I'm all for going strength and durability over speed. Bring on the reinforcements!
  • @kenerickson4923
    Glue bottle hint. The red cap fits on the nub on the fill cap. That keeps it from dangling in the way when gluing.
  • @illi-the-wolf
    idk that i'd ever felt the need to glue endgrain without reinforcement before, but I definitely agree with you that small additions to process can make significant improvements to the final product. years ago, I worked in science labs, and I'd spend a little extra time making sure to plan for certain inevitabilities so that folks dont have to deal with problems down the road. I might add a 2-minute step to a 1 hour process, and in the end, the results would be 10-20% better and more consistent, or at least less likely to fail... seems like a net win to me, LOL
  • @HelenaOfDetroit
    I'm a generalist and multi-material maker, which usually means I'm not an expert at all. But I've never even considered just gluing wood on the end grain without any support because I just assumed the old method of using support was superior. My main rationale was from assembling IKEA furniture. I noticed that even things built as cheaply as possible still used reinforcement with end grain joints. Why do the math myself when smarter people than I have tested it? But, that's just my 2 cents. Thanks for the video by the way, keep up the great work!
  • @erallen97
    I agree with you. When joining end grain I like use wood dowels to reinforce the joint.
  • @tomclifton3920
    I really enjoy all your videos. Always clearly presented and explained. Thanks!
  • @Woodementary
    Even though I agreed from the start, it’s important to have consensus over beliefs I’ve held to be true. It’s how i keep from becoming bias. Besides, you have a tender way of convincing your followers.
  • @WebMaster-vh7ek
    Nice, well thought out presentation. You convinced me. Thank you.
  • @universalron
    When you said your miter saw was “acting up” and taking a chunk out of the piece you were cutting. Check with a straight edge that the right side and left side of the blade fence is straight. It could be off a little after you cut through the piece moves back a little and rips out a chunk
  • @philvale5724
    Hi 👋, W, I, I C, 😂, I was so looking 👀 forward to seeing you make another picture frame 🖼️ 😂, 😂, not really, I just love listening 👂 to your voiceover 😂, and watching 👀 you Wood If I Could, 😂,
  • @daleclaxton1811
    My only suggestion is, you post a new video at least once a week. Even more often if possible. Some of us enjoy your videos.
  • @chrispayne673
    I always spline my corners for strength and sometimes for looks
  • @ImGonnaMake
    I was on your side before ... and I'm still there. What exactly IS the argument for gluing end grain to end grain? To save 5-10 minutes? In so many ways, the shop is no place to be cutting corners. Except when you're actually cutting a corner.
  • @GeorgeLoch
    I like the argument for "Just spend an extra 10 minutes". Peace of mind is worth 10 minutes for me.