A dry fit is a trial assembly performed before glue or permanent fastening. It confirms that joints fit, parts are oriented correctly, the assembly is square or aligned, and your clamps and workflow are ready.
- Seat the joint fully without glue.
- Check shoulders and reference faces.
- Verify alignment and squareness.
- Prepare clamps before disassembly.
Why Dry Fitting Matters
Glue-up adds time pressure. A dry run lets you confirm the sequence, clamp reach, cauls, orientation and final dimensions without adhesive curing while you troubleshoot.
What to Check
Look for gaps, rocking joints, reversed parts, incorrect reveals, twist, out-of-square assemblies and inaccessible clamp locations. Mark parts and reference faces before taking the assembly apart.
After the Dry Fit
Correct any problem, organize the parts in assembly order, stage clamps and protection pads, and only then begin the permanent assembly.
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