Hide Glue Mixing and Tips

Latest Video, Please watch: "Woodturning a Queensland Maple Platter"
• Woodturning a Queensla... -~-
Hide Glue, the process of how to mix it and some ideas for using it.
Also known as Pearl Glue and Animal Glue. Almost a must for traditional
woodworkers and those interested in restoring old furniture or woodwork
pieces

[@lawrencenoctor2703]

Im a retired cabinetmaker antique restorer and have used scotch glue all my life and still do. I used a ready mixed brand called sheppey, it has a preservative added so it keeps and smells much nicer than pellets. Love your work by the way.👍

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Lawrence, Just order another 25kg bag as I type. Great stuff I must agree. Thanks for your comment. Cheers Steve

[@susangoodman2611]

OH I am so glad to have found your videos!!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

I'm pleased you have as well, the more the merrier. Hope you stay around and enjoy whatever else we put up in the future. Cheers Steve

[@Harryteeff]

Thanks again, Steve. Keep `em coming.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks Harryteeff, more coming...Cheers Steve

[@smitzilla]

Awesome videos Steve! Keep them coming!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

We intend to, thanks for watching. Cheers Steve

[@mo12uk]

I love this very informative video .. you are the best.. Sir

[@misterbracks]

here's a tip for you....I used the same glue pots daily as the one you have for years in the antique restoration business here in London, UK. I found that the insides got very rusty with use and would inevitably be prone to leaking. here's what I did...clean out any rust from inside and the underneath of the inner pot, put them both on the heat until really really hot (empty of course) then take them outside in the open and squirt in some oil (3 in one or similar bike oil) to completely cover the inside of the big pot and the underneath of the inner one. it will smoke like mad, but leave it until it cools. Wipe out any excess oil afterward (there shouldn't be any left) and then use as normal, filling with water. you will now find that every time you use it and then clean it out, the rust is gone forever and all you see inside is a white residue which is now permanent. I used mine for 25 yrs and it's still white inside !. Try it. cheers.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks for the tip. I use radiator inhibitor inside mine. Does 2 things prevents rust and raises the boiling point of the water so I never get cavitation. Appropriate the info and thought though. Cheers Steve

[@bitshuffler]

Fantastic! Thanks very much. Great video! :)

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks, Steve

[@jefflofaro47]

Hi Steve. Great tutorial and you've inspired me to give the stuff a go. In Oz where do we get hide glue from and what gram strength do you recommend for veneering and joinery?

[@jimray1111]

Everything you stated was very interesting and Ive wondered about using it in my shop but just havent gotten there yet. But when you said that tidbit about using it to wash your hands, that just blew me away :) Who'd a thunk it! (thats an American expression by the way.) Thanks Steve, very informative.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Dirt is dirt to world over and it works just as well as ever. Cheers Steve

[@rongilotti5912]

Excellant thank u!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks Ron, pleased you enjoyed it. Cheers Steve

[@ugotit33x]

excellent presentation love it.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Thanks pleased you enjoyed it. Appreciate the feedback. Cheers Steve.

[@ugotit33x]

Hi Steve glad you post a video of your stuff so do I. So others can learn. I'm into all kinds of stuff and forgot how to use horse glue. it was a good refresher. CHEERS

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Great Stuff isn't it. Cheers Steve

[@NarrowGauge1]

I love this very informative video .. A question though : Can you give us some info on brushes you use for gluing up? What happens to the brush after the glue sets up? Do i need a new brush for each gluing session? Thanks and best regards

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

No the glue melts once you reheat it a brush should last a long time. Cheers Steve

[@spaceheater1]

I really appreciate your video. It is very informative and answered many questions! Is it best to use distilled water when mixing hot hide glue? I didn't know if a slight presence of minerals would affect the bond.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

No, just water is fine. Remember this glue has been around for 1000's of years and I'm sure not all the water was not as clean as what we have coming from a tap nowadays. Cheers Steve

[@edadpops1709]

I just found your vids and subbed right a way.your insight on hide glue is very different from others, it makes it seem more user friendly.in the states we dont have much acess to many of the woods you use, we used to get lace but no more. do you know of a wood supplier that would ship some ssmall orders of figured walnut to Colorado ? I look forward to part 2 on the sharpening of curved scrapers.have you done any on sharpening convex planes, and gouges?.. thanks

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Edad, Funny we all think the States have great timber. Guess it's a case of we all want what we don't have. You're right Hide Glue is, in my opinion very, user friendly especially when you have to do some "reverse glue ups" . I think I touched on sharpening convex blades briefly on this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIHXnmZnabF0htU But it is something I will do more in depth in a later one. Can't help you with the timber, but i'm sure there would be someone on one of the auctions sites that could help. Thanks for joining up hope you stay around. Cheers Steve

[@CoxJoxSox]

I'm trying to use RSG to create a crackle effect. I plan on painting the glue on board and then paint over it for a cracklesque effect. Should I make a thicker or a thinner RSG mixture?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Experiment, and seen what works best for you. I have seen it used to great effect by laying a solid colour background down. Paint over that when dry then apply crackle medium over that. Cheers Steve

[@simonsshed9893]

Gidday Steve. Thanks for all of the videos. You mentioned that the hide glue can go off/get smelly - can you store it or best to chuck it out and make more when you need it? Any tips re disposal?? Simon

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

You only use a small amount at a time so the loss it not that great. Best disposal method I use is give it to the dog. He loves it even if I pour it out in the back yard he finds it and gobbles it up and trims the grass at the same time. Cheers Steve

[@barrybroadbent3278]

Vintageworks hi can you tell me which glue is most likely to leave a red line along the joint interface especially when the joint is "feathered"

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

+Barry Broadbent Can't think of any. Do you want the line?? If so use some red veneer between each joint. Cheers Steve

[@cindersfella5615]

Hi steve I am after a Kg to start with as need to repair some old chairs and I have been advised that They would be easier to repair using Animal glue because you don't need to clean the old glue out of the joints because the new glue would remelt and make a stronger Joint. correct me if I'm wrong

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Always good to remove and of the loose old glue. But in essence you are right the new glue will meld in with the old. If you want to email me [e-mail] with your address we can go from there. Cheers Steve

[@Gichanasa]

Greetings Steve, thank you for a very nice tutorial. To use the glue, do you use the same clamping methods as the synthetic wood glue? How long will it take to set? Is it possible to do cleanup after the clamping with water or anything else?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Gichanasa, Clamping method is less pressure that synthetic glues. Can set with out clamping also and still give a strong bond. Yes clean up with water is fine. Cheers Steve

[@Gichanasa]

@Woodworking Masterclass It's really helpful to have your reply. I do many compound curved surfaces and organic shape joinery, so this is very encouraging. I will definitely give this method a try. Looking forward. Thank you!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

@@Gichanasa Pleased it works for you. Love compound curves myself. Doing some circular Secret compartments at the moment. Much fun working on the prototypes. Cheers Steve

[@verybigkittens7550]

I have just purchased an aluminum outer and cast iron inner Will the induction stove work.Also the cast iron inner one was leaking. I repaired it with epoxy.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Stephen, have been thinking about this question long and hard. In my experience some aluminum works while others don't. Has to do with the mass I think. The greatest concern is the epoxy repair, not sure if it will handle the heat successfully. Still if you have it give it a go and see. Cheers Steve

[@verybigkittens7550]

@@Woodworkingmasterclass Thank you steve for the info. You are right.I put hot water into the inner pot and it leaked slightly. I think I can use metal putty. It can withstand much higher temperatures. Or purchase another inner pot if that doesn't work. Not used animal glue for 49 years since I was 12. Will make sure pot doesn't leak before making the glue.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

@@verybigkittens7550 Bet you smell will bring back some memories, good ones I hope. Cheers Steve

[@cindersfella5615]

Hi steve like the video on hide glue, where are you I hope in sunny QLD, If you are in Australia, where do you get your glue supplies from, In another video I watched it mentioned different strengths and what I have seen around It appears that there is only one grade of pearl glue.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi cinders, Yep in Brizzy. There is only one grade around now. How much are you after? Cheers Steve

[@PJCCC100]

Hi. I could only find hide glue, here in my town in Portugal, in the form of chunks, like beeswax. I guess I must ground it down or make shavings with a knife or something prior to prepare it. Does the glue hold on wet environment? I mean moisty places, not under water. Thanks for sharing.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

P. J. Cravino It will melt in a chunk, but takes a bit longer. Wrap it in some cloth and hit ii with a hammer a few times should break it up enough. No, it's not good in wet environments but is OK if it is just climate moisture. Wouldn't use it for outside furniture in heavy rains. Cheers Steve

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

P. J. Cravino It will melt in a chunk, but takes a bit longer. Wrap it in some cloth and hit ii with a hammer a few times should break it up enough. No, it's not good in wet environments but is OK if it is just climate moisture. Wouldn't use it for outside furniture in heavy rains. Cheers Steve

[@fernandoalves775]

P. J. Cravino Hi P.J. Cravino, in Portugal I bought these stuff online at www.restaurarconservar.com. You can find there a lot of products that normally i have trouble to find them like rabbit or fish glue or "goma laca". Cheers P. J. Cravino, from Barcelos.

[@MrNickdino]

Do you have experience with (5%) acetic acid or formaldehyde or aluminium sulfate to make the glue stronger or harder or more moist resistant?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Many years ago I used a formaldehyde glue for making chopping boards but since then have not really found the need for stronger glues especially with furniture, as the strength should come from tight fitting correct joints. There are also some very good moisture resistant and waterproof glues on the market at present. What are you needing extra strength or water resistance in your glue for Nick? Cheers Steve

[@barbequesauce7167]

Can you use oil instead of water + rust inhibitor?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Barbeque Sauce I have never tried it, the thing I like about water is that it is not flammable but Oil is. Cheers Steve

[@davidford9063]

Message from the uk is it natural for the glue to get a type of scum / skinning on top when using it if not how do I avoid it David ( March Cambridgeshire uk)

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi David, Yes especially when you are working it in a cold climate. Much the same as when you boil milk. Just keep stirring it as you use it. If you get a mould forming on the top after a few uses then it's time to make a new batch. As It will STINK if you heat it with the mold. Cheers Steve

[@738polarbear]

Is there much difference between pearl and granular hide glue david ?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Same stuff to the best of my knowledge. Cheers steve

[@pinballrobbie]

When I was a young cabinet maker we used Hide glue every workday but we started to get glue discolouration and failure, turned out we were using hot water from the glue heating tank which was made of copper to thin glue down from time to time which affected the glue. when we used fresh water from the stainless kettle the problem went away, just a tip for newbies.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

True cast iron pots are the best. Cheers Steve

[@verybigkittens7550]

Steve can't really remember, but I think this time the smell will trigger some memories.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Word of warning Stephen, if it forms mould on top DON'T heat it up as it STINKS! :) Cheers Steve

[@barrybroadbent3278]

Thank you,, No I don't want to see a red line but I have found that some imported items from Asia exhibit a definite red glue line and I wondered if anyone knew which glue they had been using. I have been using various glues for the last 50 years and have never seen this red line in any English made wooden item

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

+Barry Broadbent Sorry, can't help you with that one. Cheers Steve

[@jimray1111]

Steve, this is off subject but maybe you can help me. Ive seen you and others marking wood with a squiggly mark that denotes orientation but I cant find any specifics on their meaning. One guy said you make up your own and thats all well and good but what are the basic symbols so I know where to begin? If its possible to give some pointers on one of your videos, I and others Im sure, would be ever so grateful. Thanks, Jim

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Jim, If you are referring to these marks www.rockler.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Face-Board-Joinery.jpg They are Face marks denoting which is the face of the board and also the straight edge. Other wavey mnarks I make are on the reverse side of veneer that is so I can tell which side gets glued downwards. I explain that bit here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqivlouDeq1mmdU Cheers Steve

[@jimray1111]

Thanks so much Steve. Thats exactly the mark that Ive seen others make but I didnt know what it was called nor its function. Other than the wavy lines on the veneer, that I understood from your video, it seems like Ive seen other markings also but at the time I didnt pay attention and cant remember from where Id seen it. For some reason I want to say it had to do with joinery but I cant be sure. Anyway, at least you answered the most common one as far as I know and gave it a name. Im going to google the name and see if anything else pops up. Thanks so much, Your assistance and videos are very much appreciated. Jim

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

jim ray Pleased I could help, if you think of the others drop me a line and i'll see what I can do. Cheers Steve

[@js-gy4tz]

Steve: I have a crazy question regarding Hide glue, Please don't grab your chest as I ask, I have gone back to using hide glue and I keep it in a plastic squeeze bottle, but I don't use it every day and it rots fast, so I put it in the freezer until I needed, it doesn't seem to harm it but I wonder about the long tem affects. any thoughts.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

None. is the short answer. Absolutely nil effect of long term usage it the long answer. I am currently playing around with the squeeze bottle technique myself. So I can use it in the house for my "Room for Woodwork" Channel. Not sure why yours goes off so quickly mine stayed OK of several weeks in the open air. Cheers Steve

[@js-gy4tz]

Thanks This helps me greatly

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

:)

[@stevebruford991]

Hi Steve why do you use Hide glue What I have read its not waterproof as they say you can easily remove the glued up piece without damage

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Steve, Main reasons are it's a traditional wood glue that has been used for 1000's of years, it's a natural product, it does not produce creep which is a huge bonus, in my book, when it comes to veneer work and Marquetry. It stores very well. As you point out it's relatively easy to unstick things and I only mix it up what I want when I need it. One down side as you also quite rightly point out, it's not water proof. Because I mainly make furniture not boats waterproof isn't really an issue for me. Another strong reason, I like it, is that in most cases the glue will surrender before the timber breaks. Contrary to the benefits of many modern glues, I don't want a glue that is so strong the timber breaks before the glue joint. Having said that, there are great adhesive products out there on the market and they work really well and is certain circumstances I will refer to them and happily use them. For Fine Woodwork though I believe the Craft is in getting a good fit of the mating surfaces and having the glue there is to assist in holding the 2 surface together not act as a substitute for the joints themselves. That's why I prefer Hide Glue. There are many woodworkers out there that may think I'm a dinosaur and they use other products. My suggestion is, whatever works for you, and makes your woodworking experience the most enjoyable, that's the one to use. Cheers Steve

[@fakiirification]

I know this is old (very old), but i would just like to drop a comment that hide glue is still the modern glue of choice in luthiery, for precisely the reason you stated. 300+ year old Strads are still playing in music halls across the world because of how easily they can be repaired without a trace. also hide glue crystalizes when it dries, as well as shrinks, which pulls joints in tight, making for great tone transfer, and no creep. unlike PVA glues which remain somewhat plastic even when fully cured.

[@richardq7290]

I stole the wife's Monier Crock Pot with water and a stainless steel bowl for glue. Works a treat!!. I can leave the glue in there overnight with lid on for use next day. After I have finished into fridge it goes.

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Does the wife miss the crock pot yet?? Cheers Steve

[@heijauaan]

100 degrees celcius or farenheit ?

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

heijauaan Celcius (Sorry) The Glue idealy should be between 55 & 70 dregrees C. Cheers Steve

[@Mherkava]

Thanks Steve. Great video! Just a small mention that when you show the consistency of the glue with the brush I cannot see the flow of the drip from your brush because your background clothing is quite dark and the contrast of the glue does not show up. Hence we don't see clearly the drip rate. Pitty because that was why I cane to see the video. Perhaps wear a white shirt instead ? Thanks!!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi Thanks for the comment. The consistency is the same as enamel paint. You don't want it dripping from the end of the bruch but at the same time you don't want it in a steady stream from brush to pot. Look for as break in the stream from about 6"(150mm) to 8"(200mm) from the end of the brush. Cheers Steve

[@sinaTonewood]

wax melter is so better than double boiler

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Hi sina. always use what available that's my motto. Cheers Steve

[@smitzilla]

Second .34, what's goin on?!

[@Woodworkingmasterclass]

Looks like a spare frame sneaked in! Nice to know you watch so closely, thanks for bringing it to mt attention. Cheers Steve

[@entertainmentvefun4987]

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