There are plenty of times in the shop when you need two pieces of wood to act like one — but only temporarily. Clamps are the obvious solution, but they can get in the way. Screws and nails leave holes behind. And while double-sided tape works well, it can sometimes grip aggressively enough to pull wood fibers when the pieces are separated.
There’s another simple option: painter’s or masking tape and CA (cyanoacrylate) glue.
This technique creates a quick temporary bond between two workpieces while keeping the adhesive itself off the wood. When the operation is finished, pry the pieces apart and peel away the tape.
Step 1: Apply Tape and CA Glue
Apply a few strips of masking or painter’s tape to the first workpiece wherever the two pieces will contact.
Add several small dots or a thin application of CA glue to the surface of the tape. You only need enough adhesive to create the temporary bond. Avoid using so much that the glue squeezes beyond the edges of the tape and onto the wood.
Woodsmith Tip: Make sure the tape is pressed firmly against the wood before adding the glue. The temporary connection is only as secure as the tape’s bond to the workpiece.
Step 2: Tape the Mating Piece and Add Accelerator
Apply corresponding strips of tape to the second workpiece so they'll line up with the tape on the first piece.
Spray the tape with CA glue accelerator. The accelerator allows the CA glue to set quickly when the two taped surfaces are brought together.
Step 3: Align and Press the Parts Together
Carefully align the two pieces before bringing the taped surfaces together. Then press them firmly to establish the bond.
This gives you a temporarily joined assembly without clamps projecting into the work area. It can be particularly handy when you need unobstructed access around a workpiece during cutting or shaping operations.
Why Use Tape Under the CA Glue?
The tape acts as a removable barrier between the adhesive and the wood. Rather than gluing the workpieces directly together, you’re essentially gluing one piece of tape to another.
That makes cleanup much easier when you're finished.
Step 4: Separate and Peel
Once the woodworking operation is complete, carefully pry the two pieces apart. Then peel the masking tape from each workpiece.
The tape and hardened adhesive come away together, leaving the wood ready for the next step.
A Handy Alternative to Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided woodworking tape is still a useful shop supply, but the tape-and-CA-glue trick gives you another temporary workholding option when clamps or mechanical fasteners aren't practical.
It requires only a few common supplies, sets quickly, and — most importantly — lets you separate the parts when the job is finished.
5 Must-Have Tapes For Woodworkers
Painter’s tape is only one of several tapes that can solve problems around the workshop. From temporary workholding and template routing to slicking up jigs and protecting your fingers, the right roll of tape can be surprisingly useful.
SEE 5 USEFUL WOODWORKING TAPES → 5 Tapes Every Woodworker Should Keep in the Shop
