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Woodworking can be a challenging and rewarding hobby, but with so many tips and tricks available online, it can be difficult to determine which ones actually work. In this article, we’ll explore three viral woodworking tips and put them to the test to see if they live up to the hype or leave disastrous consequences on your project.
The first tip we’ll examine is the blue tape method, which involves using ordinary painters tape and CA glue to create a temporary bond between two pieces of wood. While this method is popular on the internet, it can be difficult to get alignment between the two pieces of tape, and the glue can easily spill over onto your workpiece. We’ll compare this method to the simpler alternative of using double-sided tape and see how well each method holds up under pressure.
Key Takeaways
- The blue tape method can be difficult to align and can result in glue spillage.
- Double-sided tape is a simpler alternative that provides perfect alignment and no spillage.
- The salt trick can prevent slippage during glue-ups, but it can also weaken joint strength and should be used with caution.
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Blue Tape Method
Joining Technique
The Blue Tape Method is a popular woodworking tip on the internet that involves joining two pieces of wood by applying ordinary painters tape on both sides, laying down CA glue on one side, and accelerator on the other. When pressed together, the accelerator quickly hardens the glue within seconds, creating a temporary bond for applications like template routing, clamp-free work holding on a CNC, or even holding small and thin pieces on a workbench for sanding or hand planing where clamps would normally get in the way.
Alignment Challenges
While the Blue Tape Method may seem like a good idea, there are a few issues. First, getting alignment between the two pieces of tape is difficult, and it’s easy for the glue to spill over onto your workpiece, requiring additional cleanup. Second, this process is slow compared to the alternative, which is to just use double-sided tape. You peel and stick, get perfect alignment, no glue spill over, and there is no fumbling between tape, glue, and accelerator.
Cleanup and Speed
Despite the alignment challenges, the Blue Tape Method has proven to be a reliable joining technique. In testing, it took 377 lbs to separate the Blue Tape Method joint, and in all instances, the failure was between the tape and the glue, not the glue joint. Additionally, the Blue Tape Method can leave you with inconsistent height, but in testing, this was not found to be an issue.
Strength Test
The Blue Tape Method was tested on a jig by pulling identical size workpieces apart using sheer forces. The Blue Tape Method joint took 377 lbs to separate, while the double-sided tape test took 668 lbs to separate. This shows that the Blue Tape Method is a strong joining technique.
Height Consistency
Testing also showed that there was virtually no height variation with the Blue Tape Method. Two precision blocks sandwiched by the Blue Tape Method were placed on a precision granite surface and slid a dial indicator from left to right, showing no height variation. This was also the case with double-sided tape.
In conclusion, while the Blue Tape Method may have some alignment challenges and require additional cleanup, it is a reliable joining technique that provides consistent height and strength.
Double-Sided Tape Showdown
Ease of Use
In the world of woodworking, finding the perfect method to join two pieces of wood can be a challenge. The blue tape method, which involves using painters tape and CA glue, is a popular technique on the internet. However, it can be difficult to get proper alignment between the two pieces of tape, and glue spillage can occur, requiring additional cleanup. The process can also be slow compared to the alternative of using double-sided tape.
The Xfasten double-sided tape is a popular choice among woodworkers due to its extra adhesive and fabric backing, making it more forgiving when the two mating surfaces are not perfectly flat. It is also more affordable compared to other options on the market. The ease of use and affordability make double-sided tape a more attractive option for woodworkers.
Strength Test Results
To test the strength of each method, the speaker milled and drum sanded sample pieces of cherry into a consistent surface. Since the most common force experienced by temporary joints is sheer force, the speaker tested each method on a jig by pulling them apart using identical size workpieces and area of glue surface.
The blue tape method took 377 lbs to separate, and in all instances, the failure was between the tape and the glue, not the glue joint. The double-sided tape test gave the speaker a run for their money, as it broke the jig a few times. This method took 668 lbs to separate.
While the blue tape method can leave inconsistent height due to uneven pouring of CA glue, the speaker found that this was not an issue in their testing. Precision blocks sandwiched by the blue tape method showed virtually no height variation when placed on a precision granite surface and sliding a dial indicator from left to right. The speaker tried this with thin, medium, and thick CA glue and found similar results.
In terms of strength, the double-sided tape method proved to be stronger, but the blue tape method still provides a reliable temporary bond for applications like template routing, clamp-free work holding on a CNC, or holding small and thin pieces on a workbench for sanding or hand planing where clamps would normally get in the way.
The salt trick, a blast from the past, involves applying table salt between glue joints to prevent slippage during glue-ups. While this method proved to be effective in reducing slippage, the speaker found that adding too much salt can extract moisture from the glue, causing it to solidify and weaken the joint. The speaker recommends using this method with caution and being mindful of the amount of salt used.
In conclusion, while each method has its pros and cons, the double-sided tape method proves to be the easiest to use and the strongest in terms of sheer force. However, the blue tape method still provides a reliable temporary bond for certain applications, and the salt trick can be effective in preventing slippage during glue-ups if used in moderation.
The Salt Trick
Slippage Reduction
The salt trick is a popular woodworking tip that involves sprinkling table salt between glue joints to reduce slippage during clamping. In a test conducted by the speaker, it was found that the addition of salt resulted in a significant improvement in slippage resistance. The samples with salt took an average of 2,388 G of peak force to drag compared to just 354 G for the samples without salt.
Joint Strength Impact
To test whether the addition of salt weakens the joint strength, the speaker conducted a test using end grains. The results showed that the joints with salt were 21% weaker than the joints without salt, with a joint strength of 356.50 lb of force compared to 450.00 lb of force. Additionally, the speaker found that applying too much salt can cause the salt to react with the wood glue, extracting moisture and solidifying the glue.
End Grain Glue Test
In the end grain glue test, the speaker made several sample pieces of cherry with the same dimensions and amount of glue, and sprinkled the same amount of salt on each one. The samples were then clamped with the same amount of force for 24 hours. After removing the clamp, it was found that the unsalted sample had a nice tight fit, while the salted sample had a noticeable gap.
Salt Reaction Observation
The speaker observed that even with much less salt, it can still extract moisture from the glue and solidify it. Additionally, some of the salt grains did not melt, and white specks were visible around them like a bacterial colony. The speaker concluded that while the salt trick can help prevent slippage in glue-ups, it can also result in weaker joint strength and inconsistent results. It is also easy to oversalt, which can cause unintended consequences.
Social Media Influence
Woodworking tips and tricks are abundant on the internet, often showcased in flashy videos with influencers touting their effectiveness. But do these tips actually work in real-world applications? In this article, we’ll take a look at three viral woodworking tips and put them to the test.
The first tip is the Blue Tape Method, which involves using ordinary painters tape and CA glue to create a temporary bond between two pieces of wood. While this method is popular, it does have some drawbacks, including difficulty with alignment and potential glue spillage. In comparison, double-sided tape offers a quicker and more precise alternative. In testing, the Blue Tape Method held up to 377 lbs of force before separating, while the double-sided tape required 668 lbs of force.
The second tip is the Salt Trick, which involves adding table salt between glue joints to prevent slippage during clamping. While this method did improve alignment and reduce slippage, it also weakened the joint strength by 21% and had the potential to extract moisture from the glue. Additionally, oversalting can cause issues and make the joint feel off.
The third tip, using Xfasten double-sided tape, was found to be a more cost-effective and forgiving option for woodworking projects. With a fabric backing and extra adhesive, it allows for easier alignment and less fumbling between tape, glue, and accelerator.
It’s important to remember that not all viral woodworking tips are created equal. While some may be effective, others may have drawbacks or simply not live up to the hype. It’s always a good idea to do your own testing and research before trusting any woodworking tip found on social media.
Behind the Scenes
Woodworking tips are abundant on the internet, but do they really work? In this video, the speaker tests three viral woodworking tips to see if they live up to the hype or leave disastrous consequences on your project.
The first tip tested is the blue tape method, which is arguably the most popular woodworking tip on the internet. This method involves joining two pieces of wood by applying ordinary painters tape on both sides, laying down CA glue on one side and accelerator on the other. When pressed together, the accelerator quickly hardens the glue within seconds, creating a temporary bond. While this method is useful for applications like template routing clamp-free work holding on a CNC, or holding small and thin pieces on a workbench for sanding or hand planing, it has a few issues. Getting alignment between the two pieces of tape is difficult, and it’s easy for the glue to spill over onto the workpiece, requiring additional cleanup.
The speaker tested the blue tape method on milled and drum-sanded cherry pieces to see how well it holds up. As the most common force experienced by these temporary joints are sheer forces, the speaker tested it on a jig by pulling them apart using identical size workpiece and area of glue surface. The blue tape method took 377 lbs to separate, and in all instances, the failure was between the tape and the glue, not the glue joint. However, the double-sided tape test proved to be stronger, taking 668 lbs to separate.
The speaker also tested for inconsistent height, which can be problematic in precision work like that of a CNC where you want to remove all of the material without the cutter touching the tape or the spoil board. However, in testing, the speaker did not find this to be an issue.
The next tip tested is the salt trick, which involves applying table salt between glue joints to prevent slippage during glue-ups. The speaker tested this method on a jig created where the left section is stationary, and the right platform is on ball bearings. The results were significant, with the salt-based samples taking an average of 2,388 G compared to 354 G of peak force to drag the block of wood with just glue between the two pieces.
However, the speaker also tested if the addition of salt in wood glue weakens the joint. The best way to test this theory is to glue end grains because it ensures that the point of failure will be the glue line and not the wood fibers. The speaker made sample pieces of cherry of the same dimension, same amount of glue, and sprinkled the same amount of salt and clamped them with the same amount of clamping force using a sensor. The results were shocking as the amount of salt applied was way too much and was reacting with the wood glue. Even with much less salt, the salt was extracting moisture from the glue and starting to solidify it.
In conclusion, while these woodworking tips may seem like a good idea, it’s essential to test them thoroughly before applying them to your projects. It’s also crucial to use the right amount of salt when using the salt trick to prevent weakening the joint.
Parting Thoughts
After testing three viral woodworking tips, it’s clear that not all tips are created equal. The blue tape method, while popular on the internet, proved to be slower and more difficult to align than the alternative of using double-sided tape. However, it did provide a temporary bond for applications like template routing clamp-free work holding on a CNC or even holding small and thin pieces on a workbench for sanding or hand planing where clamps would normally get in the way.
The salt trick, while effective in preventing slippage during glue-ups, can weaken joint strength if too much salt is used. It’s a neat trick, but it’s easy to oversalt and not worth the risk of a weaker joint.
Overall, it’s important to take internet woodworking tips with a grain of salt (pun intended). While they may seem like a good idea with fancy video editing, it’s important to test them in the real world before relying on them for your projects. And as the speaker in the video points out, producing these woodworking testing videos takes a lot of effort, but it’s worth it to share ideas and improve woodworking techniques.