With several options available, know which adhesive is best

---

Modern adhesives play a crucial role in reclaimed wood projects, helping to ensure the structural integrity, beauty and longevity of the finished product. Here are some ways in which modern adhesives are commonly used with reclaimed wood:

1. Wood Glue (PVA Glue): This is one of the most commonly used adhesives for woodworking projects, including those involving reclaimed wood. It's versatile, easy to work with, and provides a strong bond. It's used for tasks like edge gluing, laminating, and joining pieces together.
2. Polyurethane Glue: Known for its strong bond and resistance to moisture, polyurethane glue is ideal for outdoor reclaimed wood projects or projects where the wood may be exposed to moisture. It's also effective for gluing end grain.
3. Epoxy Resin: Epoxy is a versatile adhesive that can bond wood to a wide range of materials, including glass, metal, and concrete. It's often used for creating intricate inlays, filling gaps, and stabilizing cracks or knots in reclaimed wood.
4. Cyanoacrylate (CA) Glue: Also known as "super glue," CA glue is a fast-curing adhesive that's excellent for bonding small pieces of wood or for repairs. It's useful for projects where a quick, strong bond is needed. CA glue is especially useful for filling small cracks and holes and is also available in black.
5. Construction Adhesive: This type of adhesive is designed for heavy-duty applications and is commonly used in construction projects involving reclaimed wood. It's especially useful for attaching reclaimed wood to substrates like concrete or metal.
6. Contact Cement: Contact cement is applied to both surfaces being joined and allowed to dry before the two surfaces are pressed together. It's often used for bonding large surface areas, like laminate or veneer, to reclaimed wood.
7. Hot Melt Glue: This type of adhesive is applied in a molten state and solidifies as it cools. Historically used in woodworking for temporary or non-structural applications, such as holding pieces in place while other adhesives cure, today coloured hot glue is an excellent method for artisans to stabilize knots, cracks  and voids in reclaimed wood.
8. Wood Dowels and Biscuits: While not technically adhesives, these are often used in conjunction with glue to reinforce joints. They add mechanical strength to the bond, making it even more secure. Dowels are a great way to stabilize feature pieces with large cracks that are not structurally sound.

When working with reclaimed wood, there are a few important considerations:

• Surface Preparation: Reclaimed wood may have irregular surfaces, old finishes, or contaminants. Proper surface preparation, which may include cleaning, sanding, and planing, is crucial for ensuring a good bond with the adhesive.
• Adhesive Selection: The type of adhesive used should be chosen based on the specific needs of the project, such as the type of wood, the intended use of the finished product, and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to.
• Clamping and Curing: Adequate clamping pressure is essential to ensure a strong bond. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for clamping time and curing time, and ensure that the adhesive is allowed to fully cure before subjecting the project to stress.

By carefully selecting and using the appropriate adhesive, combined with proper surface preparation and clamping techniques, reclaimed wood projects can be constructed with confidence in their strength and durability.