Hide Glue

[Ron Nossaman]

>Hi List,
>When preparation of hide glue, is discussed, it is
>always said to soak the glue for a few hours, before
>heating.
>My question is why?
>If it is melted/dissolved in the hot water, what is
>the difference, as long as it is liquid?
>Thank you.
>Regards,
>John M. Ross

Good question John. I don't know. I've done it both ways, and I've found
that it takes about an hour of cooking a fresh mix before everything mixes
up well and the glue starts to gel right. Adding dry glue and water to
existing glue during the course of a day, it will work well enough in
fifteen minutes or so if you stir it occasionally. I never relied on mix
proportions and timing, but on how the mix looked and felt, and how the
glue reacted in use. The best indicator I've found as to when new or added
(dry and water) glue skins over with the lid off, it's glue.

Ron N