Will's Workshop Tip, Miter Joints without clamps

 

 

I recently needed to make some frames for some of my daughter's paintings. I considered buying new frame molding for the project but that's just not how I like to do things! This was a great opportunity to clear out some of my scrap wood from my scrap can(the scrap wood can will be another tip)

I pulled out all the leftover 2x4s I could find(no treated wood). I ripped the 2x4s down to 1x1 1/2 on the table saw. Then using stop blocks on my extended miter saw fence to insure the frame sides and tops were all the right size. I cut the miters. No problem so far, been there and done that so many times I don't even waste brain power thinking about it! BUT! I didn't have enough miter clamps or time to make any jigs for clamping. This is what I came up with.

 

I nailed a small block of MDF to my workbench. Then I spread  glue on one of the mitered parts. I placed it along the block of MDF and put the other part along the other edge of the MDF. It was really easy to hold the joint together and keep my hands safely away from the brad nail gun. Anytime you're using tool you should be very careful. I got a great deal on a Full size Framing nail gun because my little brother shot himself in the hand. He spent about 10 hours looking at the nail sticking out of his hand before the Doctor finally pulled it out! Be carful! And if you do get hurt don't blame anyone but YOURSELF!  

 

 

 

Will's Tips

As I mentioned yesterday, the best way to buy glue is in bulk. One of the problems with buying in bulk is that working with a gallon jug of glue just isn't handy! Over the years I have tried reusing old smaller glue bottles. Commercially available glue bottles work okay but add to your total cost for the glue. I have never been satisfied with the push pull tops on most of the glue bottles or the long thin necks on some of the glue bottles. I had tried dishwashing detergent bottles but again the tops tend to clog.

 I know most people who have been doing woodworking for more than about 30 minutes have something they like to use for gluing. If your happy with what your using and its working for you that's great! But if your not....you might want to try my glue bottles. My glue bottles come in a variety of colors and sizes. My favorite glue bottles for most glue jobs are the 20oz Mt Due bottles with a 1/8th in hole drilled through the center of the cap. They are great for spreading glue when edge joining boards. You don't have to worry about lost caps or stopped up necks. When your done just sit the bottle down and the glue on the cap will skim over sealing the glue inside from drying. The next time your ready to glue just peel off the dried glue from the bottle cap with your fingernail and your ready to go!

Another problem with the gallon jugs of glue occur after the jug has been opened and your glue bottle filled. The air inside the jug starts to cure and thicken the glue. The first time I fill a smaller glue bottle from the gallon jug I don't just fill one bottle. I fill as many bottles as it takes to empty the jug. The glue last longer in the smaller glue bottles than it will in a half full gallon jug. And the smaller bottles fit better on my workshop shelves. I also find it handy to have a glue bottle in each workstation in my shop.
For getting into tight spots with the glue....well...that's another tip!