Hide glue
Proper mix ratio and storage info. September 24, 2002
Q.
I have obtained medium to low viscosity granules of hide glue. Can anyone help with the mix ratio for normal gluing practices? What is the best way to store once mixed?
Forum Responses
I could be missing something here but I believe all you need to do is apply heat and allow the granules to melt. Hide glue is not generally mixed with anything. Storage would be in a closed container in a cool dark area.
Jeff Pitcher, forum technical advisor
The best ratio is probably 2 ounces of water to 1 ounce of hide glue (mix by weight). You can mix it a little thinner for non-porous woods and a little thicker for porous woods. Mix together and allow the stuff to swell up, then heat to 145 degrees (no hotter or it will damage the collagen). If you are impatient like me, just mix and heat in a double boiler to prevent scorching.
It is best stored dry, as it will easily mold once it has been mixed with water. It should only be reheated a couple of times as with each reheating it looses some of its strength. A small twig of fresh willow with the outer bark removed will prevent mold growth, as will an aspirin, in the glue. Hide glue is the best adhesive anyone ever came up with, still holding furniture together after 4000 years. Hide glue is easy to clean up and is transparent to stains and finishes.
The advice above is good. In checking around, it seems that the amount of water necessary will vary from batch to batch of hide glue. It's really a matter of eyeballing it to get a viscosity that you're comfortable working with.
Jeff Pitcher, forum technical advisor
Would you like to add information to this article?
Interested in writing or submitting an article?
Have a question about this article?
Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?
KnowledgeBase: Adhesives, Gluing and Laminating
KnowledgeBase: Adhesives, Gluing and Laminating: Glues and Bonding Agents
KnowledgeBase: Architectural Millwork
KnowledgeBase: Architectural Millwork: General
KnowledgeBase: Cabinetmaking
KnowledgeBase: Cabinetmaking: General
KnowledgeBase: Furniture
KnowledgeBase: Furniture: General
KnowledgeBase: Veneer
KnowledgeBase: Veneer: Techniques
KnowledgeBase: Woodworking Miscellaneous
KnowledgeBase: Knowledge Base
Would you like to add information to this article? ...
Click Here
If you have a question regarding a Knowledge Base article, your best chance at uncovering an answer is to search the entire Knowledge Base for related articles or to post your question at the appropriate WOODWEB Forum. Before posting your message, be sure to review our Forum Guidelines.
Questions entered in the Knowledge Base Article comment form will not generate responses! A list of WOODWEB Forums can be found at WOODWEB's Site Map.
When you post your question at the Forum, be sure to include references to the Knowledge Base article that inspired your question. The more information you provide with your question, the better your chances are of receiving responses.
Return to beginning of article.
|
