I live in the desert southwest (Nevada) where the humidity is very low and the shop/garage is always quite warm (80+). Is there anyway to slow the drying time of wood glue? I’ve tried Titebond extend and it still sets up too quickly. Would adding water reduce the strength of the glue?
Rob Johnstone: I recommend using polyurethane glue where you need to have a bit more open time (the time between when you apply the glue and when the pieces need to be properly clamped and curing). I don’t believe that adding water to the glue would be a good idea.
Simon Watts: Give up on Titebond which is a polyvinyl emulsion and switch to a plastic resin glue such as Weldwood. This sands like wood and has an assembly time of twenty minutes to half an hour depending on the temperature. It is a warm weather glue–65 degrees or above.
Michael Dresdner: Adding too much water will, and besides, adding water won’t help much at all. It will merely thin the glue. You can slow down some glues by adding small amounts of propylene glycol or other glycol ethers, but you would be wise to call the manufacturer for a tech sheet or advice first. There are lots of different formulations out there and some are more sensitive to adjustment than others. (Propylene glycol mixed with water is sold as pet safe RV antifreeze and as an additive for cigar humidor humidifiers; a common source for other glycol ether mixes is Flood Floetrol, an additive designed for latex and waterbased coatings.)
