Gluing large panels face-to-face can be a hassle, especially when you use yellow wood glue. For one thing, the panels slide all over. And, it takes a lot of clamps and several cauls to get a good bond. But there’s an easier way — contact cement. I prefer to use contact cement in an aerosol can. With spray contact cement, it’s easy to double-coat both faces quickly. Plus, set-up time is fast — just 2-5 minutes for each coat. Note: It’s a good idea to wear a respirator and work in a well-ventilated area.
Another great benefit to spraying is the adjustable nozzle. Three settings (narrow, medium, and wide) allow you to adjust your spray to suit the size or shape of your workpiece. For the strongest bond, I always apply two coats.
After the second coat has dried, the workpieces are ready to be bonded. Just remember to carefully align them, because once they touch, you won’t be able to move them around. To avoid problems, I cut one of the pieces slightly oversized and then trim it flush with a router and flush trim bit. To set the bond, I use a wood block and a mallet. Just start in the center of the workpiece and work your way out. For a better bond along the edges, I use a clamp with a wide head and work my way around, giving it a good tightening every few inches or so.
