Cold weather gluing/sealing/etc.

[misterW]

Curious to see how others have dealt with one problem that I've been running into lately. I'm in upstate NY and within the past 4 weeks it has gone from moderate 40-50 degree temperatures to Cold As Hell. Unlike some of you, I don't have a heated workshop to work in. Although my work area is protected from the wind and weather, it is still below freezing. Of course this happens just as I am entering a phase involving lots of gluing and sealing. Most of the products I am using (standard wood glue, polyurethane glue, polyurethane sealant, etc.) state that their product should be applied above 40 (or sometimes 50) degrees.

So...where does that leave me?

Here's my questions for you:

(1) What happens if you use these products below the stated temperature? Do they simply take longer to cure? Or does this cause problems?

(2) Are there ways around this, such as keeping the glue/sealant/etc. nice and warm inside and then bringing it out only immediately before use?

(3) Any other creative ways around this problem that you have come up with?

Look forward to hearing your ideas.....

[parnold]

Any way you could pick up a small propane catalytic heater to strategically aim at what you are gluing or sealing.

I don't know about the glues, but if using an epoxy based product like CPES it may not cure till the thaw. You may want to try emailing the manufacturers with your questions, but remember, they will generally take a don't use it stand to protect themselves from warranty claims.

[S. Heisley]

Some products get sluggish and others take longer to cure/seal/soak in. I think I'd put up a tent-like shelter and use an electric or tent heater or something like that, while you're working. With something like TitebondII or III, it sets in about 45 minutes, so, you wouldn’t need to heat the space for long.

You could try keeping the bottoms of the glue/sealant tubes in a small amount of warm water while you're working and see if that helps. To keep the water warm, use a crock pot or something that would warm the water but not melt the tubes. Stand the tubes up inside something like a wide-mouthed mason or washed out mayonnaise jar or even a weighted tin can. That way, the tubes won’t fall on their sides and get soaked or the tops of the tubes won't get water in them.

Your best bet is to call the manufacturers of the products that you are using and ask them what will work. They should know and be able to advise you.

[doug hodder]

I think I'd find a buddy with a garage and try to heat it. Urethane glues take longer to cure than an aliphatic type glue. Those temp guides are there for a reason....to cover their butts and give you good results. If it fails...I'm sure the first question they would ask is "did you apply it using our recommendations?" Cure time temp. is key. If you only want to do things once....I'd get the temp up somehow. Other opinions may vary. Doug

[madjack]

...bottom line is...DON'T DO IT...they either won't set up properly or not at all...warming the glues, ect. can help alleviate some problems BUT the material being glued will not be at proper temps and those temps need to be maintained throughout the setup and cure process to be successfully done................
madjack

[Wolffarmer]

From what i have heard in wood working forums Titebond makes a nice powder below about 45 degrees F.

Might be time to look for a girl friend with a nice heated garage.



Randy

[Classic Finn]

Greetings from the country of Finland.

Ive worked outside in winter even though Ive got a good porta garage however with no heat. Unless you have a possibility for a warm space hall or garage forget the gluing till summer or late spring.

Your going to do work and then you,ll end up starting all over again.With the possibilty of saying a few good French words that you never usually even say.

My advice is follow the directions and usage of the glues and dont try gluing in winter outside. Believe me I know.

As been stated, find a warm garage or shelter that is heated. Even though you warm up the glue the material your going to glue is still very cold.

Stay warm my friend..

Greetings from Finland & The Arctic Skies.