Warning: When a client asked me to skip the glue on drawer joints

Back in my early days, we always made sure every joint was glued and clamped right. Just last week, a customer wanted a set of drawers done fast and told me to skip the glue to save time. I knew that without glue, the dovetails would loosen up in a year or two. It felt wrong to build something that wouldn't last, just to make a quick sale. I told him I couldn't do it that way, and he went to someone else. It seems like now, more folks want cheap and fast over solid and lasting. I miss when clients valued craft that stood the test of time. Standing by my guns cost me a job, but I sleep better at night.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_ray1mo ago

Had a guy ask for no glue on cabinet doors once.

thomas2911mo ago

Hey @the_ray, that 'no glue' request is wild. I've had people ask for things like only using wooden pegs instead of nails in a bookcase. They often have this idea that modern methods ruin the craft. But glue is what holds joints tight over time, especially with humidity changes. Did you talk him out of it or just go with it?

lily3601mo ago

Was he planning to move them a lot?