Tool question/advice request

[Sharon Camille Craig]

I'm about to start on a new fretwork clock that doesn't use tabs to put it together (like the others I've done). The instructions say to glue it, but I'm thinking it needs more support than that, so I thought about a rivet gun. I've never used one so before I go out and buy one, thought I'd better get some advice first. If it is a good idea, can someone tell me what to look for when shopping for it? I normally work with 1/4" - 1/2" wood. Thanks!

 

Sharon

[NC Scroller]

Wood glue is much stronger than you think. I can not see rivets working at all and they would leave noticeable holes.

[Falcon]

Titebond I think the best.

[DWSUDEKUM]

You definitely do not wish to use a rivet gun as it will splinter your project apart.  Take your time and make good cuts, glue the joints and let them set up and harden and the total project will be strong enough to last for years.   

 

DW

[fredfret]

A well fit glue joint is often stronger than the wood it is attached to. I would use well fitting joints and wood glue. Far stronger than nails and not unsightly like rivets.

Fredfret

Wichita, ks

[Scrolling Steve]

Titebond , not rivets !

[Jim Finn]

I would glue it..........

 I have never used a riveter for wood.

 

Rivets are made for metal.

 

  I am a retired sheet metal worker and have used riveters for over fifty years and never found a riveter that did not work.

    

      If you want a rivet gun anyway, a cheap riveter will work well.

[ike]

Tight bond is the answer, but be sure that It is moated correctly. It is very difficultt to take app art after the glue  is set., Tightbond is stronger than the wood .

[amazingkevin]

If you did use rivets i think the hole for the rivet would have to be two sizes bigger than the rivet.When you squeeze the rivet it expands and would split the wood unless the hole was almost the same size as an expanded rivet.

 

I'm about to start on a new fretwork clock that doesn't use tabs to put it together (like the others I've done). The instructions say to glue it, but I'm thinking it needs more support than that, so I thought about a rivet gun. I've never used one so before I go out and buy one, thought I'd better get some advice first. If it is a good idea, can someone tell me what to look for when shopping for it? I normally work with 1/4" - 1/2" wood. Thanks!

Sharon

[oldhudson]

I agree with the others that a PV glue seems be the best option. But don't forget you have to clamp the pieces together for hour or two, while the glue sets up. So think about how you can do that. You may need to purchase some clamps although you can use rubber bands (binders) or even painters tape.

[jerry1939]

On this clock there were places where I put square "dowels" in some of the corners. That greatly added to the area to apply the glue to. Also, for extra insurance, I put screw eyes on the bottom of the roof(s) and the tops of the base. Ran wires from top to bottom and screwed in the screw eyes further, to tighten the wires.

 

Hope this gives you ideas Friend,

 

jerry

[WayneMahler]

Rivets will split the wood when they expand. Good clean cuts and sand if needed, then glue up. I use only Titebond and it has never failed me.

[Sharon Camille Craig]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Yes, I use Titebond for everything. I also like the square dowel idea. Good, I don't even like predrilling holes to put hangers on things. Nothing like watching a grown woman having a hissy fit when wood splits after hours of working on something!! Glad I asked the experts, thanks again for sharing.

[Sharon Camille Craig]

Also Jerry, LOVE your clock! Mine isn't nearly as elaborate but hope to get there one day. I'm going to make some of the Wilkens Woodworking patterns which I'm hoping will sell.

[Paul hd]

On this clock there were places where I put square "dowels" in some of the corners. That greatly added to the area to apply the glue to. Also, for extra insurance, I put screw eyes on the bottom of the roof(s) and the tops of the base. Ran wires from top to bottom and screwed in the screw eyes further, to tighten the wires.

 

Hope this gives you ideas Friend,

 

jerry

Wow Jerry, that is an amazing structure. 

[WigWag Workshop]

Titebond or my favorite Weldbond

[Lucky2]

I would use Tite-bond or an epoxy, either one would do the job.

Len

[Bill WIlson]

You will be fine using any good quality wood glue.  If you really want a means of mechanically fastening components of something like a fretwork clock, you might consider a pin nailer.  This is a pneumatic tool that drives very small, headless nails.  Frankly, I don't think it's necessary.  I have a pin nailer, but have never considered using it for that particular application.  Just wanted to toss that suggestion out there.