I'm hoping some of you can help me. I'm trying to use hide glue, this is my first attempt with this wonderful material. But so far, the results have been a dissaster. I know I need to learn how to use this glue, so maybe you can let me know what I am doing wrong.
I'll preface this by saying I have read and studied everything I can find on the subject, so I feel like I have the basics covered. The joint in question is gluing a top on a fiddle (I volunteered to assemble a kit for a friend, a good learning experience.) Since I only need a little glue, I measured 3 tablespoons equal parts glue and water. This I let sit for 10 minutes, then heated in a small double boiler until it reached a temp of 145 degrees. At that point, the glue would run off the stirring stick or brush like syrup, just as has been described. after about 3 seconds it freezes in mid air, leaving a stringer on the brush.
When I put it on the edges of the body to glue the joint, by the time I get the glue on it has set like rubber, and become incompressible. Total time from glue application to putting on the top is less than one minute for sure. What I have is a stringy mess that does not stick to the top but takes a while to remove from the body so i can start over.
I figure I'm doing something wrong with the mix of glue to water maybe? I have attached a picture of the joint, showing the sringers and the gap. Any help is much appreciated!
Thanks,
Phil
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