To Glue Or Not To Glue

[neilc]

Hi all,
As some here might remember I've just built a new house. We moved in in July last year but the list of jobs ahead me me seems endless. The next thing SWMBO wants done is the utility. I agreed as long as I could make a couple of side tables for a couple of beautiful lamps we got as a house warming present first.
When I first seen this table a really loved it and decided there and then that I would definitely make a couple sometime. So on to the question. Should I glue the through tenon and key or not. I'm thinking just a touch of glue on both. Would appreciate yer options.
Neil

PS I'm making mine from ash.

 

[opener]

My first reaction was to not glue it as on large tables and benches etc, but as it is fairly small and the top rails will presumably be glued then I would glue the bottom rail as well. You wouldn't want it working loose and pulling the top rail out. IMHO
Cheers
Malcolm

 

[Paul Chapman]

That sort of joint is designed not to be glued. Our oak dining table has that sort of joint - we can take the table apart by removing the top and knocking the wedges out of the stretcher rail.

However, the tables you are making are not designed to come apart, so a dab of glue might be the best option in case the wedges should come loose (eg with normal wood movement as moisture content varies) and strain the glued upper joints.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[head clansman]

Hi neilc

As other have said traditionally this type of joint is not normally glued hence why you have a wedge for periodically adjusting with a slight tap of the hammer for any slackness that may occur with timber shrinkage, not the sort of joint i would have chosen for that style of furniture .this is just my thoughts why not remove centre rail and replace with two end rails mortised in as tradition then all four legs would be much stronger then you can apply as much glue as you like .

 

[lucky9cat]

Neil, I read the same article and this project is on my list as well. It's an interesting piece and will be a bit of a challenge with the angled drawer. I think I'd be inclined to glue it as it is not designed to be dismantled from the look of it. Anyway, keep us posted with work-in-progress, please.

Cheers, Ted

 

[Pete W]

It's not entirely clear from the article text, but it seems to me that glue is the way to go. Article does say that glue was applied to all mortices and tenons; if no glue was to be used I'd expect that to be stated explicitly. Just MHO

 

[neilc]

Thanks guys for the options, I know normally these type of joints are not glued but I think in this case I'm gonna glue. Ted I'm at the glue up stage of the first one now and even tho I have done some work on the second I'll try and find the battery charger for my camera and do some pics.
Neil.