Mindful Makeovers: A New Approach to Tenon Gaps

Furniture makers often face challenges when it comes to achieving perfect joints. One common issue is minor gaps around stick and leg tenons, which can become more noticeable with the finish applied.

In an effort to address this problem, some makers have turned to using cyanoacrylate (CA) glue to fill small holes. However, as one furniture maker discovered, this approach has an unexpected outcome.

## A Surprising Discovery

Nick Stanchenko, a furniture maker, recently shared his experience with using CA glue to fill gaps in tenons. He initially tried this method to see if it would work, but ended up discovering a different effect altogether.

According to Stanchenko, the CA glue soaks deep into the end grain of the wood, causing it to darken significantly. This effect is difficult to remove, especially when working with end grain. While Stanchenko was initially concerned about the outcome, he eventually decided that he liked the look of the darkened end grain.

## A New Approach to Tenon Gaps

If you're looking to replicate this effect, Stanchenko recommends applying a thin layer of CA glue to the tenon, ensuring even coverage to avoid visible streaks. It's also a good idea to apply the glue outside the tenon, so that you can scrape the area later to clean it up.

However, Stanchenko cautions against using this method on deeply scooped seats, as some of the end grain may be exposed around the leg mortises and can become stained as well.

## A Word of Caution

While Stanchenko's discovery may seem like a solution to the problem of tenon gaps, it's essential to exercise caution when using this method. As he notes, it's hard to undo the effects of the CA glue once it's been applied, so it's best to try this approach on non-critical pieces first.

| Method | Effect | | --- | --- | | Using CA glue to fill gaps | Darkens end grain, difficult to remove | | Applying glue outside the tenon | Allows for even coverage, easy cleanup |