5 Practical Uses for a Hot Glue Gun in Woodworking
A hot glue gun probably isn't the first tool that comes to mind when you think about woodworking. Most people associate glue guns with crafts and small household repairs. But this inexpensive tool can be surprisingly useful around the shop.
While hot glue isn't a replacement for traditional wood glue when assembling furniture or cutting joinery, it excels at jobs where you need a fast bond without reaching for clamps.
Whether you're attaching a router template, securing a temporary stop block, or holding an awkward workpiece during a glue-up, a few drops of hot glue can make the job easier.
Here are five practical ways to put a hot glue gun to work in your woodworking shop, along with some tips for choosing the right gun and glue sticks.
5 Ways to Use Hot Glue in Your Woodworking Shop
The biggest advantage of hot glue is speed. Unlike traditional woodworking adhesives that require clamping and curing time, hot-melt glue sets as it cools, often within seconds.
That makes it especially useful for temporary workholding and other jobs where a permanent wood-to-wood bond isn't necessary.
1. Hold Router Templates in Place
When routing a workpiece with a template, you need a secure way to keep the template from shifting.
Clamps can get in the way of the router, especially when you're working with small parts or complicated shapes.
A few small dabs of hot glue can hold a template firmly against the workpiece without bulky clamps.
Apply the glue, position the template, and allow it to cool before routing.
When you're finished, carefully separate the template from the workpiece.
For delicate surfaces, apply painter's tape to both mating surfaces and use hot glue between the tape layers. This can make removal easier and reduce the risk of damaging the wood.
Always check that the template is secure before routing, and use additional mechanical support when needed.
A few small dabs of hot glue can secure a router template without clamps getting in the way.
2. Attach Temporary Stop Blocks
Stop blocks are essential for making repeatable cuts at the table saw, miter saw, and other woodworking machines.
But sometimes there's no convenient place to attach a clamp.
Hot glue provides a quick way to secure a temporary stop block to a fence or jig.
Apply a few drops of glue to the block, press it into position, and let the adhesive cool.
Once the operation is complete, the block can often be removed with a light sideways tap.
Use this technique only where the block won't be subjected to significant cutting forces. For critical stops or operations where movement could create a hazard, use screws, clamps, or another positive fastening method.
Hot glue provides a convenient way to position temporary stop blocks when conventional clamps are awkward.
3. Help Clamp Awkward Glue-Ups
Not every woodworking assembly is easy to clamp.
Curved parts, small pieces, and irregular shapes can be especially challenging.
Hot glue can provide a temporary hold while conventional wood glue cures.
For example, when joining curved parts, you can apply traditional woodworking glue along the mating surfaces and use small dabs of hot glue at selected locations to help hold the pieces in alignment.
The hot glue sets quickly, keeping the parts from shifting while you position the clamps or other supports.
Keep the hot glue away from the surfaces that need a strong structural bond. It shouldn't prevent the woodworking glue from making direct contact with the wood.
Woodsmith Tip: Think of hot glue as an extra set of hands rather than a replacement for clamps. For structural joints, rely on the proper woodworking adhesive and appropriate clamping pressure.
4. Attach Felt, Fabric, and Other Materials
Hot glue isn't limited to bonding wood.
It can also be useful for attaching non-wood materials to woodworking projects.
For example, you can use it to secure felt or fabric to the inside of a box or drawer.
It's also convenient for attaching foam or polyester batting to plywood when building upholstered components.
The glue sets quickly, so you don't have to wait for a liquid adhesive to dry before moving on.
Keep in mind that hot glue can soak through thin fabrics or create raised spots beneath the material.
Test the adhesive on a scrap piece first, and use a compatible glue stick that won't damage the material.
Hot glue can bond fabric, felt, foam, and other materials to wood for decorative and nonstructural applications.
5. Position Small Hardware Before Fastening
Small hinges and other hardware can be difficult to hold in position while marking or drilling screw holes.
A tiny drop of hot glue can act as a temporary positioning aid.
For example, you can use a small dab to hold a hinge in place while locating the mounting holes.
Once the holes are drilled, remove the temporary adhesive and install the hardware with the proper fasteners.
This technique can be especially convenient when you're working with small boxes or other projects where clamps are difficult to position.
Avoid placing glue where it could interfere with the final fit or operation of the hardware.
How Does a Hot Glue Gun Work?
A hot glue gun is a simple tool.
An electric heating element warms the glue inside the gun. As you squeeze the trigger, a solid glue stick advances into the heated chamber and melts.
The liquid adhesive flows through the nozzle and onto the workpiece.
As the glue cools, it solidifies and develops its holding strength.
This quick setting time is what makes hot glue so convenient for temporary woodworking tasks.
However, it also means you have limited time to position the parts before the adhesive begins to harden.
Choosing the Right Hot Glue Gun for Woodworking
Hot glue guns come in a variety of sizes, temperatures, and designs.
For most woodworking applications, a standard full-size glue gun is a practical choice.
Here are the main features worth considering.
Low-Temperature vs. High-Temperature Glue Guns
Hot glue guns are generally available in low-temperature, high-temperature, and dual-temperature models.
Low-temperature glue guns are commonly used for delicate craft materials that could be damaged by excessive heat.
High-temperature glue guns are better suited to many shop applications, including bonding wood and other materials that can tolerate the additional heat.
Dual-temperature glue guns allow you to switch between settings, making them useful when you work with a variety of materials.
Actual operating temperatures vary by manufacturer, so check the specifications of both the gun and glue sticks.
For general woodworking tasks, a high-temperature or dual-temperature model offers useful versatility.
Does Glue Gun Wattage Matter?
Wattage is another specification you'll see when comparing glue guns.
A higher-wattage gun may heat up more quickly or maintain its temperature better during continuous use.
However, wattage alone doesn't determine glue temperature or bonding strength.
For occasional woodworking tasks, a basic glue gun is usually sufficient.
If you frequently apply larger amounts of glue, a model with better temperature recovery may be worth considering.
Choose the Right Nozzle
The nozzle affects how precisely you can apply the adhesive.
A standard nozzle works well for general-purpose tasks.
A fine-point nozzle provides better control when applying small dots or narrow lines of glue.
This can be especially helpful when attaching small templates or positioning hardware.
Some glue guns feature replaceable metal nozzles, which can be useful if you want different application options.
Choosing Hot Glue Sticks for Woodworking
Just as glue guns come in different designs, hot glue sticks are available in different formulations.
The right adhesive depends on the materials you're bonding and the strength required.
General-Purpose Hot Glue Sticks
Clear, general-purpose glue sticks are widely available and work well for many light-duty applications.
They're convenient for temporarily holding templates, attaching decorative materials, and other nonstructural tasks.
Check the recommended operating temperature before using them.
High-Temperature Glue Sticks
Some glue sticks are formulated for higher application temperatures.
These adhesives can offer improved bonding characteristics on certain materials, including wood.
However, higher application temperature doesn't automatically mean a stronger finished bond.
Choose the adhesive based on the manufacturer's recommended materials and applications.
Woodworking Hot Glue Sticks
Some hot-melt adhesives are formulated specifically for wood.
These may offer different flow characteristics, open times, or colors to better suit woodworking applications.
For temporary workholding, a general-purpose glue stick may be all you need.
For applications where the adhesive will remain in the finished project, choose a formulation specifically recommended for the materials and expected conditions.
Hot glue sticks come in different formulations. Choose one that's compatible with your glue gun and the materials you're bonding.
Hot Glue Gun Safety Tips
Hot glue guns are easy to use, but the heated nozzle and molten adhesive can cause burns.
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Use a stable stand or holder when setting down a hot glue gun.
- Keep your fingers away from the nozzle and freshly applied adhesive.
- Never pull hot glue strings away with bare fingers while they're still hot.
- Work in a ventilated area and follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.
- Unplug the gun when you're finished and allow it to cool before storing it.
- Keep the gun away from sawdust piles, flammable liquids, and other combustible materials.
When using hot glue around power tools, make sure the adhesive has cooled and the workpiece or jig is securely held before starting the machine.
Is a Hot Glue Gun Worth Having in Your Woodworking Shop?
A hot glue gun won't replace your bottle of woodworking glue, but it can solve a surprising number of small problems around the shop.
It's useful for securing routing templates, positioning temporary stops, helping with awkward glue-ups, and attaching fabric or other decorative materials.
Best of all, you don't need an expensive model to take advantage of these techniques.
A basic hot glue gun and a few compatible glue sticks can be a convenient addition to your woodworking toolbox.
Once you start using one for temporary workholding and small assembly tasks, you'll probably find even more ways to put it to work.
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