What is Hide Glue?
Hide glue is usually derived from the skin of cattle, and is made of collagen or protein from the connective tissues in the hide. It is usually sold in a granular form. Putting a quantity of glue in a small glass jar, an equal quantity of water is added for 30 minutes and then the jar is heated in a water bath to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit. More water (from the surrounding bath) can be added to dilute the mixture. The glue is usually applied with a brush. It is critical that the temperature of the glue does not drop too much before the work piece is clamped. If the glue begins to cool past a certain point, it will start to gel. If this happens before the clamping process is completed, the bond will not be good. Yet the joint can be undone and more hot glue applied to melt the gelling glue and the process repeated until the bond is satisfactory. Using generous amounts of glue helps to elevate the temperature of the glue for a longer period. In addition, two or three applicatio
Hide glue is a type of glue which is made from collagen, a protein found in animal hides and hooves. Until the 20th century, hide glue was probably the most widespread glue in use, utilized in a wide range of fields to create strong joins between various objects. Today, a range of synthetic glue products are available in addition to hide glue; a hardware store or woodworking supplier is a good place to find hide glue, if you need some for a project. In some fields, hide glue continues to be the glue of choice. People who restore antiques often work with hide glue because they want to keep materials true to the time in which the antique was produced. Hide glue is also used by instrument makers, because it has a number of properties which make it ideally suited to the construction of fine instruments. It is also used in fine woodworking. These uses ensure that this glue remains readily available, along with the supplies needed to handle it, such as a glue pot for heating and working. Typ
