Q&A Epoxy gluing endgrain for timber and Plywood

—gGluing Endgrain
Gluing timber end grain with epoxySee drawing of endgrain right..
The basic problem is that end grain is highly absorbent so it can steal the resin from the join leaving insufficient for good bonding.  The trick … is to feed the end grain some mixed resin before the glue mix is put on
Remember that generally epoxy needs to have the correct powder modifier added to the mixed resin and hardener for most types of gluing.
When gluing endgrain with epoxy it is a two stage process.
1/ Mix enough resin and hardener to do the job. Stir well. Brush the mixed epoxy onto the endgrain.
2/ Wait 5 minutes.  This allows the epoxy to soak in.  Brush more epoxy on the endgrain.
3/ Now add the high strength gluing powder to the epoxy in the container and apply to gluing surfaces.
4/ And hold in place by normal method – clamps or temporary fasteners or tape until the epoxy sets up.

Many glue failures in wooden boat construction happen because of end grain gluing. There are simple strategies to reduce the risk of end grain bonding failures.

See drawing of endgrain right..

End grain is more absorbant.
End grain is more absorbant.

The basic problem is that end grain is highly absorbent so it can steal the resin from the join leaving insufficient for good bonding.  The trick … is to feed the end grain some mixed resin before the glue mix is put on

Remember that generally epoxy needs to have the correct powder modifier added to the mixed resin and hardener for most types of gluing.

When gluing endgrain with epoxy it is a two stage process.

  1. Mix enough resin and hardener to do the job. Stir well. Brush the mixed epoxy onto the endgrain.
  2. Wait 5 minutes.  This allows the epoxy to soak in.  Brush more epoxy on the endgrain.
  3. Now add the high strength gluing powder to the epoxy in the container and apply to gluing surfaces.
  4. And hold in place by normal method – clamps or temporary fasteners or tape until the epoxy sets up.

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