Gluing Up a Tabletop

Woodworking

Gluing Up a Tabletop

Learn how to glue boards together without them shifting or failing to tighten completely.

Member

$129.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Guest

$155.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Tuition Assistance and Other Policies

Meeting Times
  1. Mon, 9/29/2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Mon, 9/29/2025

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Type:
Class, Has Prerequisite

Location:
Woodworking & Small Boat Studio

Interests:
General Woodworking

About

Gluing boards together to make a wide panel is a key step in projects ranging from cutting boards to shelving and tables. It seems simple enough — until you go to do it and the boards shift or don't tighten together completely.

Learn how to make the process as stress-free and successful as possible. We'll cover:

  • How to make sure the boards are completely prepared and how to fine-tune the fit, if needed.
  • Whether to use biscuits, loose tenons (i.e. Dominos), or cauls to align the boards.  
  • How to choose and prepare clamps.
  • What kind of glue to use, how much to use, and how to spread it. 
  • How to tighten the clamps and clean up excess glue.

You'll work with others in the class to glue up hardwood boards that already are milled to be straight and square. To keep the materials fee low, you'll work on a group project and not take home the panel. However, if you have boards ready to glue up, you're welcome to bring them and glue them up during class with guidance from the instructor and help, if needed, from other students.

Materials

A $25 materials fee, included in the class fee, covers everything you need.

Prerequisites

Class Policies

  • Ages 14 and up are welcome.
  • You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling clothing or jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.

BARN Policies

Instructors or Guides

John McCormack

John McCormack is a furniture designer, maker, and teacher living and working in Port Townsend. A graduate of the cabinet and furniture making program at North Bennet Street School in Boston, he holds a Master in Fine Arts in furniture design from Rhode Island School of Design. He has written for various publications, including Fine Woodworking, which featured his piece on The Ultimate Crosscut Sled on its cover. He got his start in woodworking by studying under John Kassay, author and expert on Shaker and Windsor furniture. Read more at his website: https://www.johnpmccormackdesign.com/

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