To Glue, Or Not?

[RobM]

Hi All,

Just a minor technical query I was wondering about...

I've spoken with one framer who advised that mouldings be glued prior to being pinned, and another who just goes straight to the underpinner without glueing.

What is the popular consensus, and why?

[JKX]

Both, belt and braces.

Don’t worry about gluing, clamping and then pinning when dry either, unless you’re making the same amount of frames or less per day, than the amount of clamps you have!

[RobM]

That's a good point about the clamps. I was just about to buy one clamp. But you've highlighted a real issue there.

Thanks John.

Both, belt and braces.

Don’t worry about gluing, clamping and then pinning when dry either, unless you’re making the same amount of frames or less per day, than the amount of clamps you have!

[pramsay13]

The point of an underpinner is to hold the frame together while the glue sets.

[Justintime]

Not gluing is fine if you are attempting to compete with £ shops and Ikea. Otherwise it's a no-no. If a join fails in the future, the wedges will save the frame from falling apart. I have seen many fallen frames come in for a reglaze. If it wasn't for pins, wedges and keys, the artworks would probably have been destroyed in the accidents. As for clamps, I get by with six of them currently. When it's busy, I could often do with a few more!

[RobM]

So, you're saying glue and wedges are the norm for any professional job?

I would always at least put wedges in. Just wondering if I should go for the belts and braces option.

Not gluing is fine if you are attempting to compete with £ shops and Ikea. Otherwise it's a no-no. If a join fails in the future, the wedges will save the frame from falling apart. I have seen many fallen frames come in for a reglaze. If it wasn't for pins, wedges and keys, the artworks would probably have been destroyed in the accidents. As for clamps, I get by with six of them currently. When it's busy, I could often do with a few more!

[Justintime]

Glue is essential in carpentry and joinery! Imnsho

[RobM]

Fair comment! I'll be proceeding with glueing from now on.

Glue is essential in carpentry and joinery! Imnsho

[prospero]

Glue and pins work in concert.

The glue is the major strength in a frame. The pins serve only to hold the joint in alignment and clamp it tight
while the glue sets. After that they protect the integrity of the join to prevent catastrophic failure.

[RobM]

It seems the consensus is glue and wedges...which I'll be doing from now on.

Thanks, Prospero.

Glue and pins work in concert.

The glue is the major strength in a frame. The pins serve only to hold the joint in alignment and clamp it tight
while the glue sets. After that they protect the integrity of the join to prevent catastrophic failure.