question about fixing wood arcade cabinet

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I bought a used Arcade cabinet It is in real good shape for the sides are coming apart in places. I was wondering what is a good way to fix it.. It looks like it was press fix together. because there are wood rods every so ofter where it was press fix. I don't want to take a hammer to cabinet for I don't want to damage the wood. If all possible can I get some pointer or tips to fix this problem.

thanks in advance

ps here are some pictures of what I am talking about
 
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You could glue and rubber mallet it together if you don't plan on moving it again.
I would throw some wood screws into it and bondo over it if you are going to totally fix it up.
 
Will Gorilla glue really hold it together?

Yes. Make sure you follow directions. And unless you're in a very humid climate, make sure you dampen one of the sides with water before gluing. Gorilla glue needs moisture to cure.
 
First of all I want to thank everybody for the replies. I do have some 48" clamps, but I have wood gorilla glue. Would that work or regular gorilla glue. After I let it set a couple of days I was going to put wood screws in it. Would that hold to be able to move 2 or 3 times.

Thanks
 
This cab was likely originally doweled and glued together. I've never been a fan of gorilla glue. I simply use a quality wood glue. I'm sure gorilla glue would work fine though. Basically the first explanation of using long clamps, glue and possibly a mallet will work fine and hold the the game back together. Personally I would not use screws unless you are gonna restore this. In that case i say go ahead and counter sink some screws in. Depending on the clamps you use you might want to place a piece of wood between the cab and clamp. This should reduce the risk of the clamp leaving a mark on the cab. You don't need a huge piece of wood but the larger the surface area of the wood the less likely it will be to leave a mark.
 
Gorilla Glue has strong bonding properties, but will likely spooge out and make a messy joint. It would never be used for fine woodworking, but I would rather use Elmer's Wood Glue or Titebond wood glue. Use clamps, etc.. and plan on how regluing this will effect the rest of the cabinet - as in, is it time to repair other things or glue other joints before you clamp it up. Easy fix and good luck..
 
Gorilla Glue has strong bonding properties, but will likely spooge out and make a messy joint.

This is very true. If you use it, you definitely need to a) not use too much, and b) clean up any of the "spooge" right away.

I have used Gorilla Glue for a few "fine woodworking" projects, but only when I really wanted an extra strong joint.

If I were in your situation, I'd probably use it, with the knowledge that I'd have to clean the joint after it started to cure.

-Jim
 
If you glue and clamp it, it should be good. Looking at the pics, it looks like the cab got dropped or otherwise abused to sprint that side. I'd go with the first poster's suggestions and glue, rubber hammer and clamp it.

ken
 
Done with problem

I want to thank everybody on here of the comments and replies. It help me out alot in getting what I wanted done do. Look great. ended up getting some really good wood glue at the hardware store and clamped everything together. Turned out good and help up. Thanks to evrybody that help out..


thanks
 
Do not use gorilla glue for a structural bond, it's not meant for that purpose. Regular old yellow wood glue will be much stronger over time. Gorilla glue is a brand name and a bit of a gimmick, people believe it to be super strong but in fact if there will be any flex in the end product at all once cured it will let go.

Good wood glue with clamping pressure will be very very strong and odds are the wood will fail in a different place before the glue bond itself will fail.
 
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