My DIY bookshelf collapsed after 2 days and I learned a hard lesson about wood glue

I built this shelf in my garage in Portland last Saturday, used basic wood glue from the hardware store, and woke up Monday to find all my books on the floor and the shelf in two pieces. Turns out I should have clamped it for 24 hours instead of 6. Anybody else ruin a project by skipping the waiting time?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora_barnes10d ago

Actually Titebond III needs even longer clamp time than the regular stuff, not less. Its open time is longer so you can be sloppy about assembly but the cure time is basically the same.

olivia57310d ago

Yeah, that's a rough way to learn. I've done the exact same thing with a coffee table a few years back, skipped the full clamp time and it wobbled apart within a week. You really need that 24 hour cure for a solid joint, anything less and it's basically just holding on by luck. Also make sure the surfaces are clean and fit tight, gaps will kill the bond no matter how long you wait. Next time get yourself some Titebond III, it's more forgiving and you'll hate yourself less when you mess up the timing.