Myself, I just use thin ca as you described and leave it. This is how I do it and has worked well for me.

I would love to use titebond. How do you apply tiny bits of it? Does it have to be in the joint before assembly? That would mean piece by piece assembly?


MM

I would love to use titebond. How do you apply tiny bits of it? Does it have to be in the joint before assembly? That would mean piece by piece assembly?


MM

MM: I use and like Titebond glue. I put plenty (probably to much) on and squash the parts together. Then, and this is the important part, I use a scrape piece of balsa (1/16"-1/8") to remove ALL the squished out excess glue. I cut a length of balsa at a 45 degree, or so, and wipe the joint all around. I leave NO fillet of glue as that is just excess weight.

On end grain, I'll double glue. That is put some glue on and let it almost dry (soak in) and then final glue assembling the parts. If I have to use instant glue, I use it only as pins. (Very small amount)

Good luck, Jerry

I order small pipettes from Amazon online. I think I got 1,000 for like 8 bucks.
I put a new one on the thin and thick ca bottles at the start of every build session, and toss them after each. Makes a huge difference.
Additionally, I have a cup full of q-tips on the work bench. Any extra glue can be quickly and easily blotted up with the q-tips.
Totally worth the extra minor expense, to me.