Tech: Hide Glue (UK)

23 May 07 - 11:25 AM (#2059069)
Subject: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: Geoff the Duck

Hi All.
I'm wanting to do some minor repairs on a vintage banjo. Mainly repairing the binding on the fingerboard.
To do the job properly, I ought to use Hide Glue. I have tried internet searches for a supplier, but everything which I have found so far is on the USA side of the big pond.
Of course, I could order stuff from the American E-Bay and get it shipped, but that seems a long way if it is possible to find some more locally.
Then again, with exchange rates at the level they were last time I looked, it may be cheaper to do just that.
Does anyone know of a UK supplier?
Quack!
GtD.

---

23 May 07 - 11:30 AM (#2059072)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: Rapparee

1. Get an old horse, preferably dead. (Check your local knacker.)
2. Skin it.
3. Toss the skin in a pot and cover with water. (You can use the kitchen stove and the kitchen pots for this.)
4. Boil it until you have a mucilagenous "stuff" in the pot.
5. There's your hide glue! Simple, wasn't it?

---

23 May 07 - 11:38 AM (#2059081)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: Jack Campin

You want Scotch glue. Try sheppy.ltd.uk.

---

23 May 07 - 11:52 AM (#2059089)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: redsnapper

Both Touchstone Tonewoods or David Dyke will be able to do that for you Geoff. I use both suppliers and both are reliable.

RS

---

23 May 07 - 11:53 AM (#2059090)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: GUEST,Mingulay at work

Isn't it illegal to render Scotsmen down for glue?

---

23 May 07 - 12:19 PM (#2059106)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: Micca

Geoff, try Alec Tiranti, the sculpture supplies house, it is what the violin makers at the College used, you me find it more local to you by searching forRabbit skin glue

---

23 May 07 - 03:09 PM (#2059229)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: Geoff the Duck

Thanks for responses so far. I'll peruse when I have time.

Glue from both horses and scotsmen? Is it the oat content that gives strength?
I don't think it's illegal to render, but you may have to batter and deep fry first?

Quack!
GtD.

---

23 May 07 - 05:27 PM (#2059331)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: The Vulgar Boatman

Axminster Tools have all the glues you could possibly want, including hide (scotch)glue and rabbitskin - though this is more usually used as a size for gold leaf. They have a very user friendly mail order service and internet ordering.
KYBTTS

---

23 May 07 - 06:02 PM (#2059348)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: Morticia

Should you be rendering to Scotsman, all that is Scottish?

---

23 May 07 - 06:44 PM (#2059376)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: Bonecruncher

Hi Geoff
Hide Glue also goes under the names of Scotch Glue and Pearl Glue (because it is supplied as little pearls).
Axminster Power Tool Centre (freephone 0800 371822) is the supplier I use regularly. Excellent mail order service, but will charge £3.95 postage on orders under £45.00.
Liberon Pearl Glue, order code Pearl250 for 250 grammes is what you want. Price £4.25 plus postage.
As it is but a small job, you will need very little.
Are you going to Chippenham FF this weekend? If so I can give you a suitable quantity for your job.
PM me ASAP.
Colyn.

---

23 May 07 - 08:55 PM (#2059448)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: The Walrus

I get my rabbit skin glue from an art shop in Croydon.

If you have a good art supplier anywhere near you, try there, the glue is mixed with 'whiting' to make Gesso.
Altenatively, try any consevator/restorer supply company.

Tom

---

23 May 07 - 09:44 PM (#2059470)
Subject: RE: Tech: Hide Glue (UK)
From: GUEST

I have used rabbit skin glue, but it is very weak in strength compared to good old luthier quality hide glue. Hide glue is one of the best things ever invented.
Al

---