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Thread: Spreading glue in mortices

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
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    Spreading glue in mortices

    There are lots of ways to spread glue on flat surfaces but today I have to spread it into some deep narrow mortices and groves. And I have to do it quickly and accurately. The little plastic trowels are too short and small. Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
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    I use small paint brushes from Harbor Freight and find I can get glue where I want it pretty accurately and consistently
    - Bob R.
    Collegeville PA (30 minutes west of Philly)

  3. #3
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    Acid brush

  4. #4
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    Mar 2003
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    San Francisco, CA
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    I use a 6" machinists rule. It works as a thin narrow spatula. It easily spreads glue into a mortise, and is easily cleaned.

  5. #5
    +1 to acid brushes! They wash out well under warm water.. I've only used a few from my Harbor Freight 30 pack.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    SE PA - Central Bucks County
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    Acid brush (they actually come in multiple sizes) as they are disposable, although you can wash and reuse a few times and for larger glue-ups, I have a silicone glue brush. One of the challenges is not getting too much glue in there, too.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  7. #7
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    I have some polyester swabs that I use for that kind of stuff. Like cotton swabs, without the fibers.
    earl

  8. #8
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    Putney, Vermont
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    I save the sticks from popsicles and ice cream bars and use as spreaders for glueups.

  9. #9
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    Sep 2016
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    Modesto, CA, USA
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    Silicone barbecue sauce brush with pot.
    Bill D

  10. #10
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    Acid brushes and pallet knives. Although I prefer the knives for dovetails.
    ~mike

    happy in my mud hut

  11. #11
    I use acid brushes sometimes but recently I have used a Rockler silicone brush more. It has a flat end in addition to the brush. I like to shove that flat end into the mortise to spread the glue. I use the brush to put it on the tenon. If the mortise was too small for the Rockler brush I would just use an acid brush - or fashion a little tool out of scrap.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
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    NE Florida
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    Quote Originally Posted by michael langman View Post
    I save the sticks from popsicles and ice cream bars and use as spreaders for glueups.
    I do something similar, but save scrap thin rip cutoffs, cut to about 10 inches in length. I usally apply a bead of glue to top of the mortise wall with a squeeze bottle, and when the glue starts to drip down, use the the "paddle" to spread the glue.
    Chris

  13. #13
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    I never knew the "little paint brushes" that I use are actually "acid brushes". Learn something new every day
    - Bob R.
    Collegeville PA (30 minutes west of Philly)

  14. #14
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    Nov 2009
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    Peoria, IL
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    Telling us the size of the mortise sure would help. Popsicle craft sticks work for larger than glue brush size.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Seattle
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    549
    Usually acid brushes and disposable paint brushes for wider surfaces. I trim 3/4+"s of the tip--makes the brush stiffer and moves the glue more easily. Someone left a Rockler silicon brush and glue tray in my shop and I grab it first now instead of the acid brushes. Old Dogs???

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