5
6
Prefit your gusset and mark its location on the structure. Then
coat the structure with T- 88 before placing the gusset.
Coat the entire back side of the gusset with adhesive. This
will seal the wood so that varnishing the back side won’t be
necessary later.
7
8
Once the adhesive has been applied, you can place the gusset.
There are several options for securing the gusset while the
adhesive sets. Small nails or clamps can be used, or you can use a
lightweight stapler as we’re doing here.
910
The staples (or nails or clamps) are only necessary to apply
pressure while the adhesive sets. They are not structural and
can be removed later. The adhesive is carrying the load, not the
staples or nails.
Don’t overdo it on the staples or nails. One staple or a couple of
nails on the centerline of each structural member are all that are
necessary. You can leave the staples in and varnish right over
them, but many builders take the time to remove them once the
adhesive is set to save weight and provide a cleaner look to the
finished structure.
