To make scrap wood glue wells, drill several stopped holes in a piece of scrap with a Forstner bit. Put glue in a well, then use a toothpick, bamboo skewer, or small brush to transfer it to the parts you are assembling. The wells give you a handy place to pick up the small dabs a small project needs.
Make a simple glue-well block
- Choose a piece of scrap wood to use as a small glue holder.
- Drill a few stopped holes in the scrap using a Forstner bit. A stopped hole ends within the wood rather than passing through it.
- Squeeze wood glue into one of the wells when you are ready to assemble your project.
- Pick up a small amount of glue with a toothpick, bamboo skewer, or small brush, and apply it where needed.
This approach is intended for small-project assembly, where you need small dabs rather than a large pool of glue. WOOD Magazine described the method on January 29, 2024, and notes that the scrap can be discarded and replaced when you need a fresh glue holder: WOOD Magazine’s Scrap Wood Glue Wells.
Choose an applicator
- Toothpick: a small option for transferring a dab.
- Bamboo skewer: another narrow applicator for picking up glue from a well.
- Small brush: an alternative when you prefer to spread glue with bristles.
The source names these as alternatives but does not rank them. Pick the one that suits the parts and glue placement in your project.
What the method does not specify
WOOD Magazine does not prescribe hole diameter or depth, a measured glue quantity, or a cleanup or storage procedure. Make the wells to suit your scrap and the applicator you plan to use; the published method establishes no standard dimensions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🌲 Seamless Wood Bonding: Designed for wood projects, this wood glue penetrates fine cracks and forms strong bonds between wood, metal, or other materials. Perfect for restoring furniture, repairing cracks, and achieving seamless finishes with minimal traces.
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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Rank #2
- Provide a much stronger bond than the wood itself
- Offer excellent heat-resistance and are very easy to sand
- Are water cleanup while still wet
- Provide strong initial tack and a 30-minute clamp time
- Conform to ASTM D4236 – Non-toxic and safe to use
#1 Best Overall
- FAST CLAMP TIME: Bonds strong and fast with a clamp time of just 20–30 minutes; fully cured in 24 hours to keep your projects moving on schedule
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- EASY-TO-USE PVA ADHESIVE: Water-based adhesive that cleans up easily — wipe excess with a clean, damp cloth when wet; use a putty knife, razor, or scraper and sand when dried
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