When clamping a joint after applying glue, what is the correct level of tightness?

When clamping a joint after applying glue, it is important to achieve the right level of tightness to ensure a strong bond without compromising the integrity of the pieces being joined. The optimal clamping pressure is to apply enough force to hold the joint tightly together, ensuring that the adhesive makes adequate contact with both surfaces. However, care must be taken not to overly tighten the clamps to the point where the glue is forced out of the joint completely.

Applying too much pressure can lead to several issues, such as squeezing out all of the glue from the joint which would weaken the bond, or even damaging the wood itself by creating dents or breaking fibers. The proper tightness allows for a small amount of glue to be expelled, creating a "squeeze out" which helps indicate that the bond is secure while retaining some adhesive in the joint to create a strong, lasting connection.

In this context, achieving a tightness that prevents the glue from being squeezed completely dry, yet still allows for some necessary squeeze out, reinforces the effectiveness of the joint while maintaining the quality of the materials being worked with.