SubscriberThe next stage of my blacksmith renovation project, sponsored by 3M, is in full swing. I’ve partnered up with 3M to post the stages of my project here on the 3M Industrial Community and this week I’m tackling a gable vent to keep a safe airflow in the shop.
I’ve got the gable vent designed and built – I just wanted to jump on the 3M Industrial Community to get the engineer’s advice on what would be the best method to adhere the gable vent. The dimensions are 18”x26”, it’s made of cedar and I want to adhere it to Douglas fir studs on the painted wood exterior of the blacksmith shop.
Can’t wait to get this project completed and start using my shop!
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AnneOfAllTrades
Community Member
Thank you, John, for your answers and quick response.
Per your recommendations, I decided to attach the gable vent with 3M’s solution to construction adhesive: 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Polyurethane Reactive (PUR) Adhesive.
I sanded the wood surfaces and cleaned them to prep for adhesion. I heated the glue for 45 minutes in the applicator, installed an application nozzle, attached the air hoses, and added a ¼ inch thick bead of glue around the four edges of the gable and pressed it into place. The glue dries to the touch fairly quickly but cures fully in 24 hours.
Thanks for all your help, John – this project is starting to look really great. This was a very quick and easy project that is a major improvement to the space.
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John Merchant
3M Application Engineer
Hi Anne,
When I think of durable wood to wood bonding, I think of polyurethane reactive (PUR) adhesive. PUR adhesive will flow into the wood fibers and cure to create a bond stronger than the wood itself. For the type of application you’re describing, a PUR seems like a good place to start.
Because it is a curing hotmelt adhesive, it gets holding strength quickly as it cools and hardens, and then it reaches structural strength after a day or two as it fully cures.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
