Using Super Glue?

[GinnytooU]

If you are carving anything in halves ( Horse ,Dog, Steer, what ever). Is it OK to glue the halves together with super glue? I have done so and am wondering if something bad will happen. Thanks . Trying to learn as fast as I can. GinnytooU

[AL...]

Super Glue can dry out over time I think you would be better using a good wood glue.
Just my thoughts on it though . Your carving of the horse is fantastic.

Cheers
AL

[Dave Richardson]

For what your talking about, I would use a good wood glue (Titebond). For quick non critical repairs like a chip or split wood in a weak area, I think the super glue works well. BTW, super glue works really good when you knick your finger too.
Dave

[carver33]

I have to go along with the wood glue consensus. I'm really concerned about the longevity of super glue, but have pieces that were glued with yellow wood glue over 25 years ago that are still together.

Although I pretty much use Titebond now, I originally used Elmer's, and doubt that there is much if any difference in longevity.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

NO! Titebond or Elmers Carpenters glue is the only way to go. Super Glue crystallizes when dry while the other two stay somewhat flexible. This flex is absolutely necessary with wood as wood will shrink and expand due to moisture over time and any glue will have to accommodate this. I use super glue to strengthen weak areas but never, ever to join pieces together. Even when gluing different materials, i.e., metal to wood I would use epoxy vs. super glue. Super Glue really is super for some things but for others it's the 98 pound weakling.

[GinnytooU]

I'm so glad to hear from all of you. I now know there is only one way to go .wood glue. I'm grateful for all the information all of you share with us. . I may ask stupid questions but how else will we ( me ) learn. I'll be 68 in a few days and I sure wish I had discovered caricature wood carving 20, 30 years ago.I started carving in June of this year and feel like I got left behind and I'm running as fast as I can to catch up. Trying to learn all the ins and outs to carving. Thank you all for your help. GinnytooU

[Bob K.]

Lynn is right on the money! I trust and have used Elmer's Carpenters Wood Glue for years. Clamp it tight and it will never come apart! That and Titebond are the only way to go! I use Super Glue very little...only for strengthening a weak spot...never for gluing!

[Blake Lunsford]

I usually use two part epoxy for nearly everything I am adding to a carving. It dries fast and you can get the kind that dries clear so you don't have to worry about any discoloration where your joints come together.

Blake

[cut up]

I'm from the old school where I was taught that there was no such thing as a stupid question. I've heard someone else say the only dumb question was the one not asked.
The way I see it, if you have a question, someone else may be questioning the same thing in their mind, too.
As for the super glue, I have the same thought as the majority here. I've tried it on a lot of projects, but there are just a few I use it for now. I prefer Titebond in the shop, and sometimes epoxy.

[Dileon]

Some great points made .....they are all going into my journal.