Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Sep 16, 2010 09:01pm | #1

   No Equivalent

   Many modern glues have the strength of hide glue but none have the ease of disassembly and the the ability to be easily reglued without having to remove all of the old glue down to clean wood.

   Why isn't it still being used?

   1.  Ease of disassembly and regluing isn't that important in many projects.  

   2.  Most modern glues are much more convenient to use, hide glue has to be mixed and heated as you probably know.

2. 
   RMillard | Sep 17, 2010 11:48am | #2

   Advantages outweigh the disadvantages, for most projects

   Jammersix,

   I don't think there are any modern glues that are as repairable as hide glue, nor do I know of a modern equivalent, unless one would consider liquid hide glue a modern equivalent.

   There are really only two disadvantages to hide glue, the heating required and the short pot life. Some would say the lack of water resistance is an issue, but I really don't consider that a problem for furniture. The quick gel time is a sort of a double edge sword, but the addition of urea fixes that problem

   In the advantage column.

   It is a  reversible adhesive, and easily repaired.

   Its quick tack allows for methods impossible or difficult with other glues, such as hammer veneering, rub joints, and knee block returns on cabriole legs. 

   Still, despite those advantage, I don't think it is the best for every project. When I make something that I don't expect to last for generations, and I don't need hide glues special properties, white glue is what I reach for, or if the situation calls for it some kind of water proof glue.

   Rob Millard

   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

   http://www.rlmillard.typepad.com

3. 
   Jammersix | Sep 17, 2010 01:33pm | #3

   What I Hear

   So I hear repairability and fast tack, and if you don't need both those things, Titebond is a better choice simply because it's so much more convenient (and, therefore much easier) to use.

   So on a Shaker cradle, maybe. On a small gift box, no.

   The light is beginning to dawn, but my sun hasn't risen quickly since the early 80s. As noted elsewhere, I must now go pee on the electric fence myself, and find out exactly how much hassle we're talking about.

1. 
   DonStephan | Sep 17, 2010 08:25pm | #4

   Hide glue will absorb at least some wb dyes and stains, other glues I don't think so.  Makes glue smears less or a problem.