Mixing Hot Hide Glue

A quick primer on the why and how of hot hide glue in the woodshop.
Hide glue is rigid, repairable, and fast!

[@t.e.1189]

Yes, would love to see more about hide glue and the theorbo build too! I like your presentation of things. No loud annoying music and unnecessary long introductions, nor slapping the camera with your palm, etc.

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

Thank you! More will be up soon!

[@Gnarpium]

You did an excellent discussion. I’d love to see more of your educational material on woodworking techniques

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

Thanks, will do!

[@SnurpyTheCat]

Lol, I like the comment about epoxy in this. My old roommate always used that stuff and it drove me crazy. I was like, "Whats the point of it being wood if you use that stuff?" Great series by the way. I look forward to more material.

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

I think things like polyurethane and epoxy resin have their proper place and use, but somehow they became THE ONE GLUE TO RULE THEM ALL in the minds of some people and that is a path straight to hell! Thanks for watching!

[@douglasjones6248]

I have used hide glue for box making and quite enjoy they process. I have done some hammer veneering and would be quite interested is seeing more instruction on using hide glue and hammer veneering when laying veneer on something like a cedar or blanket chest.

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

It's a lot of fun and a great way to do complex layups with less stress than a press or vacuum bag, in my opinion. I'll see if I can put together a tutorial video!

[@qayumsakhi1343]

Informative video

[@sinaTonewood]

hide glue is really out standing within glues, thanks for the video

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

Thanks for watching!

[@BobStCyr]

I notice you are using 251 strength glue, it appears that there is also 315 gram strength. For guitar building I am concerned about gluing on the bridge with the constant pull of the strings, which would you use? Also I have read about bone glue, and rabbit skin glues, both other types of hide glue, have you ever tried these? I am looking at switching to hide glue and shellac not only because they are great materials but more environmentally friendly than the chemical based alternatives. Thanks for doing this.

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

Hey Bob, sorry for my slow reply-- I hope this is still helpful: The gram strength of the glue isn't really about how strong it is when it dries (although partly) but rather a separate measurement called a 'blow test' about how it gels. The higher the gram strength, the faster the glue goes from liquid to gel and the stronger it tacks. I tend to glue on lute bridges with 192 because once the glue gels any movement weakens or ruins that bond, so I prefer having the added time to get everything where I want it and clamped rather than a slightly stronger glue with a smaller margin for error. The other factor is how fresh and how dilute your glue is, the older it is the weaker it becomes, and the more water you add the less effective proteins there are in the joint. This affects the strength and visibility of glue lines and can be used to your advantage, or ignored to your peril.

[@gofgwoodworking]

Just a couple of things, first, you don't need a scale to mix glue, second another really good warmer is an electric fondue pot, I have used one in my shop for years and it works great, you just have to keep adding water, also, buy an inexpensive christmas light timer, I plug in my heaters to it and set it for six hours, then if I forget to turn them off, it does it for me

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

Yes, a scale is definitely not a must-- I've found it to be a great way to always have glue that is consistent, but mixing by volume works too with a bit of adjustment. It's all about learning how you like your glue, and having a repeatable way to make it that way. The timer is really clever-- I have an old digital one for vacations where you can set days and hours to run, might automate my pot for 9-5 Monday through Friday!

[@youtubecommentor4480]

Hi Benjamin. Where do you recommend purchasing a glue pot without breaking the bank? Thank you for your video.

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

That has become a tough question to answer with Hold-Heet out of business. It has a lot to do with how much glue you need hot at once; If you do veneer work and need a large volume then I think Dictum has the only current production option. For smaller volumes of glue (like most luthier work or small furniture projects) an adjustable baby bottle warmer can work. A thermostat-controlled hotplate and small ban marie also work. The cheapest option is to boil water and then submerge a jar of gelled glue in it until it's liquid, but it's less convenient than a constant heat pot.

[@armeniansdoitbetter]

I have been trying to get one of these for a couple years now. The last I missed sold for 510. What are good alternatives to the hold-heet pot to consistently heat

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

The hardest part is something that isn't so hot right at the heating element that it scorches the glue at the bottom. Dictum/Herdim now make a glue pot in a similar price range to HoldHeet before they went out of business, otherwise I've seen baby bottle warmers used to good effect. The classic, of course, is just a double boiler over a hotplate.

[@tomasznowak7983]

so simple process need 13 min video. what happens if described process will be more complicated? 5 seasons 4 episodes each 50 min long.

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

Game of Glues, coming soon!

[@Ali-0101]

Outstanding content. Immediately subbed

[@benjaminkratchmer8124]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Ali-0101]

@@benjaminkratchmer8124 and thank you, too