CA Glue for Woodworking: Types, Uses and Tips

CA glue—cyanoacrylate—bonds almost instantly. In woodworking, it fills specific niches that other adhesives can’t match.

The Basics

CA glue comes in three viscosities: thin, medium, and thick. Thin CA wicks into cracks and porous surfaces. Medium provides a balance of penetration and gap-filling. Thick bridges gaps and stays where you put it.

All three cure when exposed to moisture in the air or the wood itself. An accelerator spray speeds curing to seconds, which helps in some situations and causes problems in others.

Where CA Glue Excels

Pen Turning

Pen turners use thin CA as both adhesive and finish. Applied in layers while the lathe spins, it builds up a hard, glossy coating. The finish resists fingerprints and wear better than many alternatives.

Crack Repairs

Thin CA wicks deep into checks and cracks. Adding sawdust or commercial filler powder creates an invisible repair that sands flush with the surrounding wood. For dark woods, coffee grounds work as filler.

Small Parts

Gluing small parts with PVA requires clamps and waiting. CA grabs immediately. Attach a small molding, hold it for ten seconds, and move on. For furniture making, this speeds up detail work considerably.

Where CA Glue Falls Short

CA creates rigid bonds. For structural joints that might see movement or stress, PVA or epoxy works better. CA joints can crack under impact or flexing.

The bond also doesn’t sand well. CA-filled repairs can telegraph through finish differently than surrounding wood. Test on scrap first.

Using CA Effectively

Less is more. A small drop spreads thin enough to cure properly. Globs of CA cure slowly and create white residue.

Accelerator seems helpful but causes issues. Rapid curing generates heat, which can crack the glue line or cause it to foam. Use accelerator sparingly, or skip it entirely when time permits.

Ventilation matters. CA fumes irritate eyes and lungs. Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator for extended use.

Storage

CA has a short shelf life once opened. Refrigeration extends usability. Keep the nozzle clean—a clogged bottle is a useless bottle. Some woodworkers buy small bottles and replace them frequently rather than fighting with aging glue.