How to Make Wood Glue From Animal Hide
In today's "hurry up and get it done" society, using wood glue made from animal hide is a thing of the past because the time it takes to make, apply and cure this type of glue is significant compared with using its synthetic counterparts. However, there are many benefits to using animal hide glue if you have the time, such as varying tack levels, noncreeping application, fast adhesion and reversibility. Most commonly used in furniture and musical instrument construction, animal glue is arguably the best adhesive for certain projects.
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Things You'll Need
- Cleaned, untanned animal hide
- Glue pot
- Stove
- Wooden spoon
- Cloth
- Brush
- Thermometer
Instructions
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Glue Preparation and Application
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1
Acquire the hide to be used from a local butcher or online source. Cowhides, horse hides and deer hides are most commonly used.
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2
Pour a few inches of water in the bottom of the glue pot double boiler. Fill the inner pot with small cut pieces of the hide and a few inches of water. Heat the hide for at least six hours on a stove. Add water as it evaporates until the mixture starts becoming gelatinous. Strain the mixture through a cloth to remove any pieces of hide that haven't broken down. Freeze or let stand to dry. The glue is now in a state that it will last forever until used, if it is kept dry.
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3
Heat small pieces of glue in the glue pot with an equal amount of water to 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit on a stove. Use a thermometer to ensure the desired temperature is reached. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat. When the glue cools to 95 F, apply the glue with a brush to the surfaces you wish to adhere together. Spread a fair amount of glue in an even coat over the surfaces. Make sure you have pieces lined up correctly during this initial tacky state. As the water evaporates from the glue, final adhesion occurs. Allow the glue to cure overnight before putting the joint under stress.
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4
Apply warm water or warm hide glue to a joint, if you wish to adjust a piece of woodworking that has been adhered together by animal hide glue or repair an old joint. Hide glue is water-soluble and can easily be reversed back to its wet state.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you don't want to purchase a glue pot for heating the animal glue, heat the glue in a jar placed in a pot of water. This creates a "double boiler" effect and is easier for cleanup and storage.
Making hide glue is a smelly business. Adequate ventilation is recommended.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit violin image by Kkatka from Fotolia.com
