Hide Glue and Hairline Cracks?

[Christopher Parker]

Any tips on how to achieve good glue penetration on tight hairline cracks?  The primary question in my mind is, how much can hot hide glue be thinned and still work effectively? Any insight you can offer would be much appreciated.

[Roger Häggström]

Hide glue don't have to be superthin, use your thumbs on each side of the crack and make the wood move. Capillary force will suck the hide glue in the crack. Do a mess with glue and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Make sure the sides of the crack is even with the surface when drying using some flat super magnets across the crack (wrapped in plastic wrapper) or clamp(s) with a flat caul on at least one side.

[Greg Mirken]

Having the area quite warm helps. Also you can use a big suction cup to "pump" glue into the crack.

[jbbancroft]

You can thin hot hide glue where it will be almost like water. As long as it has slipperiness when rubbed between your fingers it will be fine. Make sure you warm the area well before applying the glue. Then rub the glue solution into the crack with your fingers until it shows on the inside. Clean off excess and let dry.

Jim