using glue to fix matchboarding

[skeetstar]

Folks I am doing a project out of a teach yourself carpentry book. The project involves the use of glue to fix a matchboard cladding to an MDF carcase. Book says to use plenty of glue to fix the board in place. (I've not used MDF, I've used some boards that look like they were made for as shelving.)

Question, is this a good thing? I know matchboard will shrink over time. If I fix with glue will this stop the board moving? Will it just split? Should I just use one bead of glue on the back of the board so that it can move over time?

As usual, thanks in anticipation, and sorry if this is such a basic question that it raises eyebrows all round the counrtry.

 

[rafezetter]

It's actually a very intelligent question and is what separates a bodging DIYer from someone who seriously wants to learn a craft. Most basic DIYer's would have slathered glue all over the back as told "use plenty of glue" then wonder why there's problems down the line. Even centrally heated houses have humidity changes.

In short, no. If you cover the whole back with glue the wood will very likely move as you say and glue won't stop it, it will either fail completely, partially - tearing the grain out of the back; possibly only to fail completely next season or crack.

A single bead in the centre is better, but I wouldn't rely on that as the sole fixing system; and this also depends on the grain orientation - the glue line should be in the centre of whichever direction it is likely to expand, too complicated to explain easily here, but a google should help. As secondary fixing you could either put nails in the "centre" (think grain expansion again) and fill over, or some contrasting dowels.

hth

 

[skeetstar]

Thank you. The single bead approach sounds sensible, I'll use that, and maybe supplement with some small brass pins knocked in flush to the surface.

Really appreciate your response, thanks

 

[heimlaga]

"It's actually a very intelligent question and is what separates a bodging DIYer from someone who seriously wants to learn a craft."
I agree.

You are on the right track skeetstar. A single bead plus some pins make sence to me too.