Hide glue

[Ron Nossaman]

> I've been called a heretic before so clearly I don't mind that nomenclature or I would shut up now.  The longer I'm in this business the less I see the need for hide glue.  It's fussy, has to be kept fresh, has to be stirred constantly, water added constantly and has to have a special pot.  There are other glues that can do as well and are a lot more worker friendly.
>  
> In the cast of key bushings....we're not talking about holding together the Brooklyn Bridge.  It's felt that needs to stay in a mortise all on its own.  I've used hot hide glue, cold liquid hide glue, and finally PCV-E for key bushings.  I've never had a bushing fall out, all have been extremely easy to remove (the PVC-E even easier than the hide glues) and it's far easier to work with.  
>  
> For hammers, I've used hide glue, Andre's Dutch glue, and Franklin's Trim & Molding Wood Glue.  The last one the easiest to use, and quite inexpensive.  I've had more trouble with clicking hammer heads with hot hide glue than either of the others.  
>  
> As a result of my trying other adhesives my glue pot remains on the shelf and hasn't been plugged in for a couple of years.  I still have it, but I hope I won't have to use it.
>  
> For what jobs (and why) do you think hide glue is "the answer"?
>  
> The heretic!
> dp


Hello Heretic,
I don't find hide glue to be particularly touchy or, in my case, 
particularly fresh. When I think I'll need some, I pull the pot off 
the shelf, check inside for creatures, add some glue crystals and 
water, and plug it in. I use it for hanging hammers, and haven't had 
loose ones except on verticals - then rarely. I like it for felt 
work, including key bushings because it tends not to wick up into 
the felt as much as a cold glue. It's indispensable for player or 
pump organ work, which I used to do a lot of, and is what got me 
into the habit of using it elsewhere too. Momentum works. I've done 
work with PVA (molding glue) and like it. I've kept some in the shop 
for years. I think I was the first to report the Franklin molding 
glue on the list on  Mon, 22 Dec 1997 13:20:37 -0600 (CST) as a 
locally available equivalent to the PVA the supply houses were 
selling. I like it too, and wouldn't hesitate to use it for hammers 
and general felt work. It's all what you're used to, what works, and 
what you like.

Ron N