Everyone deals with glue squeeze out. For me, I don't feel it necessary to spread tons of glue to a point that there's more waste than actually needed. However, having a little continuous squeeze out is good because it is an indicator of even application for ensuring a good joint!

Here are a couple of my own ways that I deal with squeeze out.

Squeeze Out Technique #1

The first is when gluing up boards.

After jointing and squaring up edges is complete, I spread some wood butter on the top and bottom surfaces only where the edges will meet. See Fig 1.

Fig 1

Then I spread glue on the mating edges of the board. See Fig 2.

Fig 2

Then, per Fig 3, I mate the glued edges, do a pressure rub, and clamp. You'll note the squeeze out.

Fig 3

I leave it for 15 -20 minutes and then remove the clamps. See Fig 4. The glue will be jelly like. If it's semi hard you've left it too long.

Fig 4

The wax (wood butter) in Fig 5 prevents the squeezed out glue from completely drying.

Fig 5

You simply wipe it off with a rag per Fig 6.

Fig 6

This is what you're left with per Fig 7.

The joint is already dry, but leave it overnight to fully cure.

Fig 7

Pretty cool right?!

This technique can be used in any glue up but a little more difficult to wipe the glue off between vertical and horizontal members. Which brings us to my Squeeze Out Technique #2

Squeeze Out Technique #2

For squeeze out in corners I use a plastic straw. I simply snip one end off at about a 45° angle. See Fig 8.

Fig 8

Here's a closeup of what it looks like per Fig 9

Fig 9

Here's a couple pieces of wood that I've applied glue to, pressure rubbed and then applied a couple clamps. See Fig 10. (Note the squeeze out)

Fig 10

You want to collect the glue just after the squeeze out happens. Don't do it later.

Here's a step by step overview (Left to right, top to bottom) per Fig 11

Fig 11

Thanks for looking!

Cheers!!

MrRick

Edited July 25Jul 25 by MrRick

Pretty cool. One problem I see is if the project would get a stain finish. The wood butter may prevent stain absorption if it contains wax.

I've never had a problem @lew . Firstof all, you don't use much. Wiping it off has been pretty effective for me. Sometimes I use a quick swipe of paint thinner or mineral spirits. I usually use shellac for my finish and never have had a problem. Give it try. See how it works for you.

I typically use a shavehook to remove the glue. Works pretty good and is easy to clean. Can't get into corners though.

I've tried that straw method with mixed results. Maybe my straws are too cheap!!

Shave hook? You mean one of these

I use a card for flat joints. That straw idea is something I have to remember, Just have to save my next mcd's straw

You can buy a pkg of plastic straws at the dollar store and have way more than you need.

I use this shavehook.