Regarding Stephen Birkett's remarks about domestic hide glue, I have a few comments. The best American hide glue is manufactured by Milligan & Higgins, now a division of Hudson Industries Corp. They have operated in New York since 1868. They are now located in Johnstown near Gloversville, NY. In the 19th century there were hundreds of hide glue manufactures making glues of different qualities for different purposes. Some glues were extracted from animal hides and others were extracted from bones. Rabbit skin glue has been used for centuries as a component of gesso, the foundation for guilding and for preparing canvases for painting. For woodworking the best hide glue should be as light and clear as possible. Dark glues are full of impurities. Light glues are all glue and hence provide a better bond. I use 3X chrome glue from Milligan & Higgins for woodworking. This glue is also used by leading violin builders in the United States. It is clear, finely ground and only needs to soak for about twenty minutes before use. I bought one hundred pounds of this glue several years ago and have had only excellent results. Several colleagues in Europe have asked me to send glue to them, as they can't find anything of such high quality. I am always open to suggestions and sources for better products. If Stephen knows a better glue, I'm the first one who will buy some. By the way, I occasionally also use the somewhat darker pearl hide glue. It give better results for leathering hammers. ---------------------------------- Edward E. Swenson Pianos and Fortepianos http://www.clarityconnect.com/webpages4/piano/ 11 Congress St. P.O. Box 634 Trumansburg, NY 14886-0634 USA 607-387-6650 FAX: 607-387-3905
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