Console Table Build Part 9
Glue-up! The process incites fear in many woodworkers. I suppose we were all there at some point in our woodworking endeavors, but most of the concerns can be overcome with proper preparation. When I was teaching, I often had to “rescue” a student in the middle of a glue-up catastrophe, almost always due to their inadequate preparation. The correct clamps weren’t ready, cauls weren’t at hand, a dry fit check wasn’t performed, a mallet wasn’t nearby to tap things into place, paper towels weren’t available to wipe glue off messy hands…the list is endless.
Why wasn’t the proper preparation performed? Most often due to laziness or impatience. It takes time to do all those steps, and some may not even be needed. But when things go wrong, they often go wrong in a big way.
The other thing that really helps me is visualization. In my head, I picture all the steps necessary to perform the successful glue-up. I realize that is difficult for many beginning woodworkers, but it is an essential part of any complex process. That, and remaining calm (perhaps the most difficult part).
