Adhesives

You are not logged in. [ Login ] Why log in
(NOTE: Login is not required to post)

Post a Response
The staff at WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at any WOODWEB Forum. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk.
Your Name:
Your Website:
Email Address:
Subject: Re: home made glue lam

Message:

(read message guidelines).
Note: Do not use the below fields to advertise your business - only for links related to the discussion.
Thread Related Link URL:
Thread Related Link Title:
  To "point" to an image (picture) from another website, provide the URL (Web Address) of the file ( include ONE reference to http:// )
Thread Related Image URL:

Date of your Birth:

Upload a Thread Related File:
File Types: Image (gif-jpg-png-bmp), PDF, Sketchup, Video (mov avi wmv mpeg mpg mp4 ogg). (Image Upload Tips)

I have read the Site User Agreement and agree with the Terms

  <= Check to receive e-mail notification of responses

Message Thread:

home made glue lam

3/20/13       
mike

I want to laminate 2x6 fir into larger beams,,,, what kind of pressure is needed? Can I use pipe clamps and secure with nails or screws a foot at a time? What is the best glue for exterior and interior beams,,,,, thanks,,,,, Mike

3/21/13       #2: home made glue lam ...
Mike S

You need to consult a licensed structural engineer.

It would be inappropriate to give you an answer for as your question relates to a structural span. The implications of any incorrect advice could result in a life safety hazard, in addition to potential liability for damages.

Without any first hand knowledge of the pertaining situation, span, loads, and structure it would not even be possible for a qualified person to render a professional opinion.

This is why you you won't receive any qualified responses. Any advice that you do receive should be verified and approved by a licensed professional.

3/28/13       #3: home made glue lam ...
Gene Wengert-WoodDoc

Also, note that a commercial 2x6 is probably not ready to be glued as the surface is not perfectly flat, is old, and may even have some wax coating or machine burnish.

3/28/13       #4: home made glue lam ...
wurthless

thanks Gene,,, I will be using milled lumber after I run it thru my planner, gorrilla glue or titebond water proof glue, spans to 24 feet for walking trail traffic

3/29/13       #5: home made glue lam ...
William Olsen  Member

Website: williamolsendesigns.com/

Listen to Mike S.
Very important...
If it's structural..

http://williamolsendesigns.com/

3/29/13       #6: home made glue lam ...
Adam

24 foot spans?

polyurethane (aka Gorilla Glue) are regarded as poor woodworking glues. They are very good for bonding dissimilar materials(wood/metal).

Exterior framing is generally not glued.

3/29/13       #7: home made glue lam ...
Gene Wengert-WoodDoc

A structural laminated beam will typically use phenol-formaldehyde or resorcinol-formaldehyde adhesives.

3/30/13       #8: home made glue lam ...
Kilgore Trout Member

Remember: Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Urethane would be a terrible choice. I'm sure your experience has also told you that TBIII may not be a good choice, and neither are structural adhesives.

Do the folks in charge - i.e. paying you - know the beam will not be rated structurally? Who is in charge?

3/30/13       #9: home made glue lam ...
Mike

The benefit of working with an engineer is that you will get paper documentation containing a schedule of what materials, and methods are specified, and approved.

All you will need to do is build according to the plans.

Just think about having to answer to questions regarding 1 how you sized the span and 2 how you decided which methods to use to fabricate it. 3 what your qualifications are. Would it be acceptable to say that you got this information from an anonymous web forum?

2x6 Lumber, consumer glues, 24' spans. This is all a sign that you need to at least talk to an engineer.

3/30/13       #10: home made glue lam ...
wurthless

all very good points,,,,, I was hoping an engineer would post here. I have engineered plans for the bridges that call for solid DF 6x12 (or 18 can't recall right now). I was under the impression a laminated beam of the same size would be stronger due to alternating grain and was just gonna go a bit bigger to be safe. The bridges were designed for horse traffic but the ones I would build are for foot and ATV use..... wa thinking we would be in good shape with the reduced expected loads,,,,, thanks for all the info.... I knew it would be hard to get a proper answer for obvious reasons but using the info to move ahead, thanks again

3/30/13       #11: home made glue lam ...
Mike

I will assume in good faith that you are a skilled contractor, and you probably have a sense for what you need to do. However I want to see you succeed in the long run. ultimately doing things the right way will pay off.

Tangible Written documentation from a structural engineer that is licensed in your state is much better than a post on an online forum from somebody who claims to be one. Hypothetically if an engineer did post in this thread that may point you in the right direction, but you should still sit down and have a chat with a local engineer. They work with builders on a day to day basis, on projects large and small. It is very routine to have even small spans specified in many parts of the country (window, or door headers for example).

If something goes wrong what do you tell your insurance? I know my insurance provider would laugh me off the phone if I had a claim arise from anything that requires a license I don't have. (electrical, plumbing, engineering/architectural work, etc...)

What would you say if questioned in a court room? These are all important considerations.

If you think this is a pain, just look at what your doctor goes through. Do you ever get the feeling that during an appointment 3/4 of their time is spent covering their rear end from potential liability? Odds are they will also preform a test, or xray to make the insurance companies happy before they even let you out the door. At lest the building/construction trades are not that bad yet.

3/31/13       #12: home made glue lam ...
Adam

The GlueLam beams work because they effectively negate each of the defects in the wood. You can leave small knots in them because most any beam can have relatively large holes drilled thru the web. The Gougon Brothers(West System Epoxy guys) proved when testing turbine blades that butt joints are not detrimental. Because the laminate is brick layed the butt joints are fine.

Regular clamps are fine as long as you have enough. You would probably have to glue 2 layers at a time.

Gene is correct on his choice of adhesive. Epoxy could be used as well. Its not really a fire issue outside(it starts failing around 200 degrees F). As long as you paint it the epoxy won't degrade.

Your original post wasn't very clear.

As others have noted it might be worth it to have an engineer do the calculation for peace of mind.

3/31/13       #13: home made glue lam ...
Gene Wengert-WoodDoc

The advantage of a commercial glu-lam beam is that the gluing process is well controlled, giving a very strong joint ALL THE TIME. They know every variable that can affect the final outcome, including spread rate, open time, heating, MC, and so on. So, even if an engineer would design the beam, what if someone making only a few beams does not have a perfect glue joint every time?

You mention that these are for outdoor trails...what about using pressure treated wood? Will your homemade pieces stand up against decay, especially in a humid location or in contact with the ground.

4/1/13       #14: home made glue lam ...
wurthless

concrete abutments with PT lumber between beams and concrete. Roofing paper under upper deck to create a "covered bridge"effect for the beams. Would there be any advantage to driving 16D nails or decking screws while layering/gluing the lumber to negate any "glue joint" error? this is the info I was looking for gents,,,,, thanks so very much !!

4/1/13       #15: home made glue lam ...
Rich

I wouldn't have a liability insurance policy big enough to cover a job like that. Heck, the county may get involved in it if you did it by the book. If you insist, you should look at laminating it with an arch in it. Infinitely stronger with an arch versus flat. Bolts would also be way better than 16d.

4/6/13       #16: home made glue lam ...
mark

Through bolt.

4/6/13       #17: home made glue lam ...
wurthless

like all thread,,,, at what intravals ?

1/28/20       #18: home made glue lam ...
Masstimberguy

Glulams are much cheaper to purchase than the labor it will take for you to make your own. Not to mention you can get exterior rated/treated GL beams. Also plant fabricated GL beams have certified engineering values, allowing you to be certain the GL beam meets or exceeds the load rating of the solid sawn timbers the plans called out.

10/25/20       #19: home made glue lam ...
ian

There are a couple of questions and answers.
1 What type of glue. Resorcinol is the only glue that I would use for exterior applications. Very long life extensively tested but expensive and requires clamping 1000kPa. https://www.nightingalesupply.com.au/urea_resorcinol_tds.html . It leaves a red line between the members and was often called red glue in the past. However it is not gap filling, you need to clamp between hardwood or steel members to effectively spread the clamping force.
2 If you glue it properly you don't need nails or screws. Clamping pressure can be calculated based upon clamp torque, there are calculators on the web.
3 The person who states that but joints are just as good has been drinking cool aid. There is lots of research relating to timber and scarf joints, finger joints and glulam beams. Basically with a scarf joint you need > 8:1 join angle to achieve good strength with timber. Just search on the web
4 Epoxy glues can be used however they may have long term durability and creep issues under load. However they are easier to use.
5 Use a glulam span able however there is no warranty. My advice might be wrong. ;-)

 

Buy & Sell Exchanges | Forums | Galleries | Site Map

FORUM GUIDELINES: Please review the guidelines below before posting at WOODWEB's Interactive Message Boards (return to top)

  • WOODWEB is a professional industrial woodworking site. Hobbyist and homeowner woodworking questions are inappropriate.
  • Messages should be kept reasonably short and on topic, relating to the focus of the forum. Responses should relate to the original question.
  • A valid email return address must be included with each message.
  • Advertising is inappropriate. The only exceptions are the Classified Ads Exchange, Machinery Exchange, Lumber Exchange, and Job Opportunities and Services Exchange. When posting listings in these areas, review the posting instructions carefully.
  • Subject lines may be edited for length and clarity.
  • "Cross posting" is not permitted. Choose the best forum for your question, and post your question at one forum only.
  • Messages requesting private responses will be removed - Forums are designed to provide information and assistance for all of our visitors. Private response requests are appropriate at WOODWEB's Exchanges and Job Opportunities and Services.
  • Messages that accuse businesses or individuals of alleged negative actions or behavior are inappropriate since WOODWEB is unable to verify or substantiate the claims.
  • Posts with the intent of soliciting answers to surveys are not appropriate. Contact WOODWEB for more information on initiating a survey.
  • Excessive forum participation by an individual upsets the balance of a healthy forum atmosphere. Individuals who excessively post responses containing marginal content will be considered repeat forum abusers.
  • Responses that initiate or support inappropriate and off-topic discussion of general politics detract from the professional woodworking focus of WOODWEB, and will be removed.
  • Participants are encouraged to use their real name when posting. Intentionally using another persons name is prohibited, and posts of this nature will be removed at WOODWEB's discretion.
  • Comments, questions, or criticisms regarding Forum policies should be directed to WOODWEB's Systems Administrator
    (return to top).

    Carefully review your message before clicking on the "Send Message" button - you will not be able to revise the message once it has been sent.

    You will be notified of responses to the message(s) you posted via email. Be sure to enter your email address correctly.

    WOODWEB's forums are a highly regarded resource for professional woodworkers. Messages and responses that are crafted in a professional and civil manner strengthen this resource. Messages that do not reflect a professional tone reduce the value of our forums.

    Messages are inappropriate when their content: is deemed libelous in nature or is based on rumor, fails to meet basic standards of decorum, contains blatant advertising or inappropriate emphasis on self promotion (return to top).

    Libel:   Posts which defame an individual or organization, or employ a tone which can be viewed as malicious in nature. Words, pictures, or cartoons which expose a person or organization to public hatred, shame, disgrace, or ridicule, or induce an ill opinion of a person or organization, are libelous.

    Improper Decorum:   Posts which are profane, inciting, disrespectful or uncivil in tone, or maliciously worded. This also includes the venting of unsubstantiated opinions. Such messages do little to illuminate a given topic, and often have the opposite effect. Constructive criticism is acceptable (return to top).

    Advertising:   The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not an advertising venue. Companies participating in a Forum discussion should provide specific answers to posted questions. WOODWEB suggests that businesses include an appropriately crafted signature in order to identify their company. A well meaning post that seems to be on-topic but contains a product reference may do your business more harm than good in the Forum environment. Forum users may perceive your references to specific products as unsolicited advertising (spam) and consciously avoid your web site or services. A well-crafted signature is an appropriate way to advertise your services that will not offend potential customers. Signatures should be limited to 4-6 lines, and may contain information that identifies the type of business you're in, your URL and email address (return to top).

    Repeated Forum Abuse: Forum participants who repeatedly fail to follow WOODWEB's Forum Guidelines may encounter difficulty when attempting to post messages.

    There are often situations when the original message asks for opinions: "What is the best widget for my type of shop?". To a certain extent, the person posting the message is responsible for including specific questions within the message. An open ended question (like the one above) invites responses that may read as sales pitches. WOODWEB suggests that companies responding to such a question provide detailed and substantive replies rather than responses that read as a one-sided product promotion. It has been WOODWEB's experience that substantive responses are held in higher regard by our readers (return to top).

    The staff of WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at WOODWEB's Message Boards. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB's Message Boards after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages it deems inappropriate. (return to top)


  • Forum Posting Help
    Your Name The name you enter in this field will be the name that appears with your post or response (return to form).
    Your Website Personal or business website links must point to the author's website. Inappropriate links will be removed without notice, and at WOODWEB's sole discretion. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    E-Mail Address Your e-mail address will not be publicly viewable. Forum participants will be able to contact you using a contact link (included with your post) that is substituted for your actual address. You must include a valid email address in this field. (return to form)
    Subject Subject may be edited for length and clarity. Subject lines should provide an indication of the content of your post. (return to form)
    Thread Related Link and Image Guidelines Thread Related Links posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should point to locations that provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related Link that directs visitors to an area with inappropriate content will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Thread Related File Uploads Thread Related Files posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. Video Files: acceptable video formats are: .MOV .AVI .WMV .MPEG .MPG .MP4 (Image Upload Tips)   If you encounter any difficulty when uploading video files, E-mail WOODWEB for assistance. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related File that contains inappropriate content will be removed, and uploaded files that are not directly related to the message thread will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links, files, or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)