Glue failure
Also called: starved joint, glue starvation, joint failure
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Glue failure is the loss of a bonded connection between pieces of wood, often leaving the joint weaker than intended.
A starved joint
A starved joint is poorly bonded because an insufficient quantity of adhesive remains in the joint. Too little glue can cause it, but so can overpenetration into the wood or excessive squeeze-out that leaves too little in the glue line.
Match glue to the work
The adhesive must be fluid enough to enter the small voids in the wood without sinking so far into the fibres that the meeting surfaces are left dry. Choose an adhesive for the species, joint and conditions in which the work will be used.
Movement after assembly
When board ends dry more than the rest, shrinkage can contribute to splitting or failure of the joint. Allow for movement in the design and make sure the joint is properly fitted before the adhesive is asked to hold it.