Hide Glue Temperature

[Doug Collins]

I'm using Hide Glue for the first time and I have a feeling I might not be getting it hot enough. Is the water temperature supposed to be 140 degrees, or is the glue supposed to be that hot? What are the ramifications of using the glue too hot?

Thanks,

Doug Collins

[David Houchens]

I use a glue pot, but still have the glue in a small jar. I find if I keep the water in the pot the depth of the glue in the jar it stays at a good working temp.
I think my glue came from LMI and suggests 1 part water to 1.8 parts glue by weight.
It works very nice. I pretty much use 1 to 2 ratio by weight. I got a nice small scale from International Violin.
I was concerned at first when the water temp would jump to 160 from time to time, then drop back down to 140. I guess the glue pot is just regulating itself. I haven't had any problem with weak joints.

[Mike Kolb]

I used to worry it to death (ratios, temps, pot life, etc.) but ..as Jim said... nowadays it's more like start with a somewhat proper ratio (mine is 1.9-to-1 by weight, using an electronic postal scale in the "grams" mode) and the rest is by feel. Temp is probably 150° to 160° but the wifes candy thermometer stays pretty clean these days. FF's idea of pre-making small batches of hide glue in disposable cups has been very useful for me.

Since I don't build ...just repair... I'm only making small batches as needed, hence my 7yr-old StewMac electric glue pot (#0668) sits in it's original box, untouched and pristine. What a waste THAT was! Hmmm, maybe we can utilize the thread for selling-off or trading surplus tools and/or supplies? Another boat-anchor here is my unused buffing arbor (StewMac #2082), which was a gift although I already had one... yikes.

Anyway, the whole hide glue experience seems to work better for me in the "zen" mode, rather than obsessing over the details.

[Doug Collins]

So how much do you want for your glue pot? But with all the good advice I've received here I don't know if I need it either!

By the way, I sent an email to Lee Valley suggesting their directions might be incorrect. They replied saying it was correct, however, you can also mix it 1 to 1, 2 to 1, or what ever ratio it takes to get the right consistency. So, there you have it - clear as.... well, hide glue, I guess.

Thanks everyone!

Doug Collins

[Jim Bancroft]

Thin hot hide glue penetrates more deeply into cracks and sets up slower than the thick mixture, and is just much easier to work with.
I pretty much use a thin mixture for most applications. I glue bridges on with the thin glue and have yet to have a failure.
First time I ever used hot hide glue was probably about 1965 on a violin seam, then didn't use it again until probably the early 1980's, when I started doing more instrument repairs.
I store the mixed glue in the refridgerator, and reheat it a number of times before I throw it out and mix a new batch.
Doesn't seem like you can really destroy the stuff by overheating. Basically I maybe keep a batch in the fridge for about 3 weeks then discard it. I've had it where mold formed on the top, and of course you shouldn't use that.
For consistency, my rule is, make it watery thin and as long as it feels slippery between your finger it will work fine. Sometimes the thin glue soaks into the wood quickly, so I apply another coat or two before I clamp the joint.

Jim