Glue Up Tip!

[Brad Westcott]

I have tried several diffent ways to optimize my gluing station and save money while doing so.

I invariably always forget to wash out the glue up brushes and they wind up drying and are hard as a rock. Instant garbage and I have to go get another brush. I tried keeping them in plastic bags with water or a coffee can with water, but I invariably forget to place them in the container or I knock them over and spill water all over my work area.

If you go to the paint department at your local hardware store, about the only thing you will find is a five pack of brushes selling for around $5.00
This can get expensive over the coarse of a large project or two.

I have looked for a cheaper glue up brush and several years ago I ran across a very cost effective solution. I found acid brushes in the plumbing department. They are usually used for flux and other plumbing greases applied to pipe joints. They sell for $1.40 a five pack. All the ones I have seen have an aluminum handle and are about 4 or 5 inches in length. They work great and if you accidently forget to wash one out, you are not out as much money.

Hope this helps.

[David Peterson MN]

A couple days ago I found a 5 pack of glue up brushes at the borg. They sound similar to your description. They cost approx. $1.20 or so for the 5 pack. I too always forget to wash my glue brushes.

[doug faist]

Brad - keep an eye out at local hardware stores, the borg, even the internet. Every so often you'll see a close out special for a bag of these, 20 or so, for a couple bucks. I've got quite a few and I'm surprised at how often I grab one to spread glue, to apply a bit of finish or to touch up a wall ding. Handy little suckers.

Doug

[Brad Westcott]

Brad - keep an eye out at local hardware stores, the borg, even the internet. Every so often you'll see a close out special for a bag of these, 20 or so, for a couple bucks. I've got quite a few and I'm surprised at how often I grab one to spread glue, to apply a bit of finish or to touch up a wall ding. Handy little suckers.

Doug

You can buy a gross for $10 bucks here (+shipping and tax).

http://www.solobrushes.com/Family.as...=162&Cat1ID=11

That may just last me a while!!!!!!

P.S. That makes it 14.4 cents a brush!!!!!!

[Rick Moyer]

I picked up a pack of these one of the times I was there: http://grizzly.com/products/G3722

about 18 cents per brush.

[Anthony Whitesell]

and don't forget our friends at Harbor Freight. P/N 41338 36 for $3.99 plus shipping.

This is the type of stuff I buy from them...they can't screw these up.

[Brad Westcott]

I picked up a pack of these one of the times I was there: http://grizzly.com/products/G3722

about 18 cents per brush.

My math says 33 cents.

[Brad Westcott]

and don't forget our friends at Harbor Freight. P/N 41338 36 for $3.99 plus shipping.

This is the type of stuff I buy from them...they can't screw these up.

I can hear you all the way down here on that one!!!!

[Jon Grider]

I don't use brushes anymore. My daytime job finds me at a label printing operation, and I salvaged a few thousand 3"x3" 15 mil polycarbonate cut offs from the garbage. They work wonderfully at spreading an even coat of glue on board edges and they clean up easily, the glue readily flakes off when it's dry. If anyone ones to give them a try, email me and I'll send you a few.

[Bill Huber]

My math says 33 cents.

So they get $8.95 for a pack of 50. (25 3/8" brushes and 25 3/4" brushes)

$8.95 / 50 = .179 which is rounded to 18 cents.

[Dale Lesak]

Check with your local hardware suppler. Get a price for a box. my count was 144 and the cost was 7 something. just less then 5c each. Got 4 boxes at that time. over a year ago and still working out of the first box. They come in different sizes 1/4, 5/16 and 1/2 wide. the 5/16 and 1/2 work best.

[Brad Westcott]

So they get $8.95 for a pack of 50. (25 3/8" brushes and 25 3/4" brushes)

$8.95 / 50 = .179 which is rounded to 18 cents.

Sorry, I was looking at the chip brush price which was $15 right next to the actual price.

[Brad Westcott]

I don't use brushes anymore. My daytime job finds me at a label printing operation, and I salvaged a few thousand 3"x3" 15 mil polycarbonate cut offs from the garbage. They work wonderfully at spreading an even coat of glue on board edges and they clean up easily, the glue readily flakes off when it's dry. If anyone ones to give them a try, email me and I'll send you a few.

I use a standard roller gluer for flat edges and panels.

I use the brushes primarily for mortis and tenon work.

Thanks for the idea and the offer though.

[Dave Lehnert]

Thanks for the tip.
I also look out for a deal at Harbor Freight and buy a bag or two.

I picked a pack of this item with my last Lee Valley order. They seem to work well. Reusable. Still using the first one after many months.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...at=1,110,42967

[Curtis Gray 1]

I bought a 36 pack at Harbor Freight for $2.00 last week.