Definitive Woodworker's Guide to Glue Selection for All Projects
The Reddit post and its comments show that woodworkers, especially those who are just starting out, really need a go-to source for clear and easy-to-understand information about wood glues. People are actively chatting about the pros and cons of different glues (like Gorilla Glue, Titebond I, II, III) based on things like moisture resistance, dry time, cure time, glue creep, food safety, and what works best for specific projects (cutting boards, outdoor use, general indoor use). There's a lot of confusion about which glue is best for what, and folks are looking for some guidance.
Product/Service Opportunity: Information Resource
Specific Feasible Product Suggestion: A "Comprehensive Wood Glue Comparison Guide & Selector." This could be delivered in several formats:
- Interactive Web Page/Tool: Users could select project types (e.g., "cutting board," "outdoor furniture," "fine joinery") or desired properties (e.g., "waterproof," "fastest cure," "minimal creep," "food safe") and get tailored glue recommendations.
- Detailed Ebook or Downloadable PDF Guide: A well-structured document comparing various wood glues across a wide range of criteria.
- Series of Online Articles/Blog Posts: Breaking down comparisons by glue type, brand, or application.
- Physical Laminated Workshop Chart: A quick-reference chart for workshop use.
Content of the Resource should include:
- Comparison Criteria:
- Brand/Type (e.g., Titebond Original, II, III; Gorilla Wood Glue; other common PVA, polyurethane glues)
- Chemical Type (PVA, Polyurethane, etc.)
- Open Time (Working Time)
- Clamp Time (Initial Set)
- Full Cure Time
- Water Resistance Level (e.g., Water-resistant, Waterproof - Type I, Type II)
- Food Safety (FDA compliance for indirect food contact)
- Glue Creep characteristics
- Strength (Shear, Tensile) - ideally with sourced data
- Viscosity / Slipperiness
- Ease of Cleanup (water, solvents)
- Staining/Finishing properties
- Ideal Application Temperatures
- Shelf Life
- Price Point (Relative)
- Project-Based Recommendations: Specific glue suggestions for common woodworking projects like cutting boards, outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, structural joints, veneers, oily woods, etc.
- Tips & Best Practices: Information on proper glue application, clamping techniques, understanding cure times, and avoiding common glue-up failures.
Expected Benefits:
- For Users (Woodworkers):
- Informed Choices: Helps woodworkers pick the right glue for their specific project, wood type, and environmental conditions.
- Improved Project Outcomes: Leads to stronger, more durable joints and reduces the likelihood of glue failures (e.g., weak bonds, creep, moisture damage).
- Time and Cost Savings: Prevents wasted materials and time due to using the wrong glue or experiencing project failures.
- Increased Confidence: Empowers woodworkers, especially beginners, by demystifying glue selection.
- Easy Access to Reliable Information: Consolidates information that is currently scattered across forums, manufacturer sites, and individual reviews.
- For the Creator of the Resource:
- Authority Building: Establishes expertise in the woodworking community.
- Audience Growth: Attracts woodworkers seeking practical advice.
- Monetization Potential: Through affiliate links for glue purchases, advertising on a website/platform hosting the resource, or sales if offered as a premium ebook/chart.
Origin Reddit Post
r/beginnerwoodworking
Which do you guys like better?
Posted by u/f-150Coyotev8•06/01/2025
I have been woodworking for about a year and I have always use gorilla glue because it was cheap. But I decided to buy a bottle of titebind 3 because that is what everyone seems to use. What
Top Comments
u/Underrated_Rating
you should check out Bossdog. They are a tiny bit cheaper and they give you cool stickers
u/Aggressive-Morning13
Titebond
u/Legion_1392
The only logical comment here
u/Aggressive-Morning13
Titebond
u/Gurpguru
Titebond II, I haven't had a need for III in a long time and I wouldn't use it unless I had a specific need for it.
Heck, I use contact cement way more often than I ever use III.
u/Wonderbread1999
I read your comment and was thoroughly confused as to why a specific glue was better for the cutting of boards than others. Completely forgot cutting boards were a thing
u/Independent-Ruin8065
Titebond 3 is best , can ward off moisture
u/martybugs
Glue creep is when you get a raised ridge on a joint, even though when you sanded and finished the item, it was completely flat.
Titebond's website says the following:
* [TB Original](https
u/BluntTruthGentleman
Adding that TB3 isn't objectively superior to TB2, it's just slightly flexible after curing and more resistant to moisture. There are plenty of applications where TB2 would be a more appropri
u/martybugs
Titebond Original, because it suffers from less glue creep than TB3. I haven't tried Gorilla Wood Glue, and don't know what it's like for glue creep.
u/martybugs
Glue creep is when you get a raised ridge on a joint, even though when you sanded and finished the item, it was completely flat.
Titebond's website says the following:
* [TB Original](https
u/foxyboigoyeet
I f**king HATE gorilla wood glue. It has failed me too many times.
u/Independent-Ruin8065
Titebond 3 is best , can ward off moisture
u/countrytime1
When it’s looking at you from around the corner.
u/FriJanmKrapo
While titebond 3 is good at that it does take a while longer to dry.
I tend to stick with 2 for stuff that will only be indoors and not with any water exposure. It also cures faster. Just de
u/mdl397
Tb3 forever.
u/pedantic-one
Titebond always, but use the right product for the project.
My main is TB II, it sets up faster than TB I and has some water resistance. TB III for cutting boards or outdoor projects as it'
u/Rodrat
I like the titebond hide glue because I'm just different like that.
u/strutt3r
I also like TB1 for boxes because it's much easier to pare and sand when dry.
u/TheRareAuldTimes
I believe [Project Farm](https://youtu.be/k-g3efGa3sI?si=Nb8k6hHYKmtBMMt2) settled this.
u/Gold_Ticket_1970
TB
u/Classic-Frame-6069
These glues are for different purposes so comparing them doesn’t really make sense.
If you want to compare this Gorilla glue to Titebond, then you should compare it to Titebond 2, not 3.
u/TheRareAuldTimes
I believe [Project Farm](https://youtu.be/k-g3efGa3sI?si=Nb8k6hHYKmtBMMt2) settled this.
u/pedantic-one
Titebond always, but use the right product for the project.
My main is TB II, it sets up faster than TB I and has some water resistance. TB III for cutting boards or outdoor projects as it'
u/strutt3r
I also like TB1 for boxes because it's much easier to pare and sand when dry.
u/f-150Coyotev8
That’s good to know. I do like the fast bonding of II
u/brianj5000
What was the conclusion?
u/foxyboigoyeet
I f**king HATE gorilla wood glue. It has failed me too many times.
u/CaptBobAbbott
per Titebond reps and corporate, TB 2 is more flexible than TB3 when fully cured. Not wanting to argue, just figured I would share the results of my phone calls.
u/theonePappabox
Titebond. Hands down.
u/Turbulent_Echidna423
T3. however, never used Gorilla glue. Titebond seems to be the professionals choice. I'm not even sure our supplier carries it.
u/martybugs
Titebond Original, because it suffers from less glue creep than TB3. I haven't tried Gorilla Wood Glue, and don't know what it's like for glue creep.
u/FriJanmKrapo
While titebond 3 is good at that it does take a while longer to dry.
I tend to stick with 2 for stuff that will only be indoors and not with any water exposure. It also cures faster. Just de
u/DrJones224
I like the taste of them equally
u/knownothingexpert
TBThuhree
u/f-150Coyotev8
That’s what that is?
u/Andred1237
Gorilla, cause that’s what I have right now. If I had TB right now, that would probably be my favorite.
u/Icy-Emu-2003
Gorilla!
I’ve tried titebond 3 so many times. It’s too slippery and takes too long to dry. I’ve had a few panels fail because I declamped after 2 hours. Never had a problem with gorilla, it
u/noashark
You might want to give Titebond 2 a try. Still really strong but takes way less time to dry. T3 I believe says takes 24 hours to cure, T2 is just a couple hours.
u/charliesa5
Titebond III given the confines of the question. TB III is designed to have a longer open "assembly" time, and thus slower drying. The two products have slightly different uses.
u/Beneficial-Focus3702
Right? Like how you gunna come say that without a conclusion.
Conclusion: Titebond III and Elmer’s Max wood glue did the best in nearly all tests and gorilla was very underwhelming.
u/countrytime1
When it’s looking at you from around the corner.
u/azsnaz
What's glue creep?
u/VictoriousTuna
TBIII for food stuff, gorilla the rest cause there’s a gorilla on the bottle.
u/raphired
Gorilla, for those times you really need a chair to fail with comedic timing.
Titebond for everything else.
u/azsnaz
What's glue creep?
u/II_O-O_II
T3 is usually for foodgrade use like cutting board. T1,2 dry faster.
u/mdl397
Tb3 forever.
u/outbackyarder
Titebond original is the best glue I've used, overall.