Upright Wippen Rebuilding Questions- about glue for felts/Isaac Oleg

[Joseph Garrett]

Isaac,
Many years ago, I did a whole bunch of tests of various types of "hide
glue", (ie animal rendered glues). The least effective glue is Fish Glue.
Reason: It will not stand up to any kind of humidity excess, period. Even
though the statistics for strength are better for Fish Glue as opposed to
hide glue, it is too susceptible to higher humidity break-down.
I once was offered a piano, for free. Went to get it. House had two long
sets of stairs off of a big porch. The piano was just inside the front door.
As we were putting the piano on the dolley, the Toe Blocks came loose!
Yikes! Well, persevere. By the time we got the piano down the ramps, over
the two sets of stairs and into the trailer, the only thing that was still
attached, was the action hanging off of the Action Bolts. The entire piano
self destructed. Once in my shop, I discovered that the piano was put
together, entirely, with fish glue. How did I know? Fish glue has a very
distinctive odor, especially when slightly wetted. Very similar to
"Mucilage" paper glue smell. I would not recommend it for anything piano
related. Another no-no is rabbit glue.
Best Regards,
Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)

Been There, Didn't Like It, So I'm Here To Stay! [G}