Glue and Filler
Stick it together. Make it stick with glue and fill those holes with wood filler. Simple as that, nothing more to it. Just kidding, if only it were that easy. Stick with this article to learn what to use for professional volumes.
If only all glue had the same properties and worked the same all around; just able to hold anything together. It does not though, and certain glues are made for certain materials. If we knew the chemistry, we might share it, but we will spare the details. Since the volumes are being made from wood you should be using wood glue. Today’s wood glue can be stronger than the wood itself. The glue acts like welds, strengthening the woods joints.
When using wood glue you want to apply an even amount across the joining pieces. The best joints are made when you join face to face or edge to edge. For the volumes we suggest the joints will be edge to edge. The glue and screws together will make for the strongest joint. The screws will also act as clamps, since sticking clamps on would be somewhat difficult due to some of the angles created.
The best glue is Titebond III. In comparison to others its strength is undeniable. It also doesn’t dry as fast as previous versions which makes working with it easier. It does still dry quickly, so don’t think you will be waiting forever. Next to that, the application temperature is lower making it more versatile in many different climates.
Since screws are going to be used along with the glue to join the wood, there will be some cosmetic cover up needed. When you stick the screws in you will want to make them countersunk so that they will not be on the surface with the potential to hurt someone. They also look tacky and if you are going professional, you don’t want that. With them being countersunk you will be able to fill the hole and cover the screw. It will look like there is magic holding the volume together. Not really magic, but excellent craftsmanship.
When filling you will use wood filler. Wood filler is made of a binding agent and a filling substance with the consistency of putty. This putty type is easier to work with and offers color options that can be matched for professional results. Famowood wood filler is what we suggest. It dries fast, will not shrink or crack, can easily be sanded, is stain-able and paint-able, and takes stain like real wood.
When using wood filler, it is easiest to use a putty knife to apply it. Purdy makes a putty knife tool (Purdy 14A900210 Surface Prep Tool Premium 6-in-1 Painters Tool) that functions as more and is comfortable when using. To apply the filler, get a good amount on the putty knife and apply it to the hole. Try to get hole filled to the point that flush with the rest of the wood. If you have excess it is ok, because the wood filler we suggest is easily sand-able, but try to get it flush to save on extra work.
To put everything about glue and filler together. Use glue when putting pieces together. It is best to glue edge to edge or face to face to get the strongest joint. Use glue for inserting t - nuts and volume screw inserts too. This will provide extra hold. Use screws and make them countersunk to be later filled with wood filler.
To learn more about making professional rock climbing volumes buy the book. It contains all the knowledge and plans to make pro volumes.