A while back, I posted a question about replacing garage door panels. Well…the project has expanded because the entire bottom section was coming apart, so I removed it and took it completely apart, stripped it, consolidated and replaced rot with epoxy. It’s now ready to be re-assembled and some of the tenons fit rather loosely in the mortises (standard stile and rail construction) so I need a gap filing adhesive. My choices from current inventory are System Three epoxy glue which is billed as structural and gap filling or PL premium contruction adhesive. I’m leaning towards the latter because it would be easier and the stuff expands as it cures. I will reinforce the joints with Simpson straps. Any thoughts or other suggestions on the best adhesive.
Edited 6/23/2007 1:56 pm ET by TommH
Edited 6/23/2007 1:57 pm ET by TommH
Replies
Pl won't let ya down.
I haven't had the chance to use epoxy but, we use PL on framing, decks, stairs, etc, even used it on stone when we built a waterfall in a landscape project and it worked great as addvertised.
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How big are the T&M? And how much play?
PL Premium is kind of thick. My concern is that after applying it that you could not get the joint to close.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
The tongue is only 1", so they aren't hard to assemble. The stiles going into the top rail are fairly tight and I probably will use titebond on those. The loose ones are on the bottom rail and they are pretty loose...1/16 to 1/8". Plenty of room.
Use Titebond 3 on the tight ones and PL on the other. The latest issue of Fine Woodworking did a test of glue strengths and Titebond 3 came out the best over all. It was the strongest and is 100% waterproof. I'm starting to use it for exterior in place of the poly glue that I have been using. I'm tired of the mess that stuff makes.PL is great stuff.
The Titebond I have is #3, picked it up at Lowes. Glad to hear it's as good as they claim
I would be leery of any adhesive that expands to fill gaps. That would suggest to me some foaming action, even on a microscopic scale, which would create a material that's not too stiff. If it were me I'd make shims to make the fit so you just have to lightly hammer it home and use the epoxy adhesive.
If you can make some tight fitting shims of wood or even thin cardboard if the gap is almost tight then you could use PVA glue. It's stronger than the wood itself if you have a tight fit.
Thanks Wayne. That's why I ruled our polyurethane glues like Gorilla Glue. My limited .experience with PL is that it is pretty solid and strong even after it expands...but that's why I'm seeking guidance from you experts
This week I worked on something simnilar. A red cedar gate I had built several years ago lost an arguement with a deer and the owners needed it rebuillt.I used PL on the looser joints and Gorilla on the snug ones.
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The omnicient one has spoken...PL it is.
I keep hearing good things about the Titebond III too but not for gapage. Th ePL Premium cures up hard and it has some solids so it is not neaar as foamy as gorila so the worry presented by somebody earlier is not a problem.
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Thanks, that was my impression also. It expands, but it expands hard and strong.
If you have never yet used PL Premium ( sounds that way) you will be in for a suprise how perfect it is for this app.
Nope, never used it.