Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello All,
Hope everyone had a nice Christmas or Kwanza or whatever you decide to do this time of year (nothing....).

I have been reading some of the posts on hide glue and have become interested. I would like to try it and have just ordered some for my next guitar. My question is about open time. What is the open time approximately? I know it is short but I need to know how short, 30 sec., 1 minute? How much heat applied to a part does it take to lengthen the open time? I am used to Titebond Original so any comparisons to that I can understand.

Thanks for your help (I hope).

Homeboy

I try to get the pieces together within 30 seconds after applying HHG. If they are pre-heated you can extend the open time to 45-60 seconds. This is usually no problem if you have everything rehearsed and all your clamps at hand...no wasted motion!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

and when jj says rehearsed, that does not mean in your head. it is best if you perform the process dry until you can do it in the time required, using a dry glue applicator, brush, bottle whatever, and all required clamps.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. The glue and pot are on the way. I am excited to try this out.

Homeboy

Practice on some scrap wood as well, so that you get the feel of the glue and how much you need etc. Pre-heating things like braces, bridges is well worth it. When you put the joint together, line it up and press by hand until it 'grabs' then add the clamps, taking care that the joint doesn't move.

It's great stuff.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I pre warm the material under a heat lamp to extend open time. After glueing,wait a minute and clean up with a dull scraper or scrap of wood, could't be easier or neater. I've become a believer. Clinton

I use a food warming tray (think I got the idea from Colin) and it gives me that little extra time to get things in place. Keeps all the parts warm and ready to go.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars