Mixed hide glue in fridge - shelf life?

George700DL · #1 06-11-2010, 08:39 AM

I have a small glass jar of mixed hide glue sitting in the fridge since February (4 months). That jar was heated just once (glue pot), then when it cooled off I put the lid on it and put it in the refrigerator.

Should I dump it or is it still fine?

George

Jake deVilliers · #2 06-11-2010, 09:15 AM

As long as its not mouldy it should be good.

That said, I always make fresh for crucial gluing applications.

vejesse · #3 06-11-2010, 12:04 PM

4 month old glue? You must be one thrifty guy.

Speaking of glue, about a year ago I bought a pound of glue from International Violin and it was some of the most vile **** I ever smelled. I couldn't use it, stunk up the whole shop. Anyone else get a load of that batch?

robobass · #4 06-11-2010, 01:20 PM

I just do the odd repair and so keep a jar in the fridge for years at a time. I cap it while still hot so it stays sterile. Even after years I don't observe degradation of any kind.

vejesse · #5 06-11-2010, 01:52 PM

I find that as glue gets repeatedly heated up, it starts to gel more quickly and becomes harder to use, even if it's thinned down. Glue that's used the day it's made has a longer open time for sure. After three days I start to look for an excuse to make some new glue up, a week tops.

The stuff is so cheap it's like they're giving it away for free. Unless you're a vegetarian it doesn't pay to be stingy.

This discussion reminds me of my brief tenure working in a rennet factory. Can't say it was a joy.

Cody Sisk · #6 06-11-2010, 02:16 PM

I make small batches, like 2 fl. oz. This way I always have fresh glue that is never older than a few days..

George700DL · #7 06-11-2010, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vejesse

4 month old glue? You must be one thrifty guy.

Not really. Like I said, I used this particular mix once, then put the rest in the fridge. No need to throw something out if it's perfectly fine. For instance, I need to glue a bow tip tonight, and don't necessarily feel like waiting a few hours to dissolve fresh glue for a small, quick job like that. That's what drove my post here.

Quote:

Speaking of glue, about a year ago I bought a pound of glue from International Violin and it was some of the most vile **** I ever smelled. I couldn't use it, stunk up the whole shop. Anyone else get a load of that batch?

I got mine from International Violin as well - the 220 strength I believe. Smells perfectly fine to me - as far as hide glue goes.

vejesse · #8 06-11-2010, 03:04 PM

The glue I was referring to was the 315 grade. If anyone wants it I've got two pounds for you but it smells like it got contaminated with formaldehyde. I'd throw it away but I'm thrifty myself.

George700DL · #9 06-11-2010, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vejesse

The glue I was referring to was the 315 grade. If anyone wants it I've got two pounds for you but it smells like it got contaminated with formaldehyde. I'd throw it away but I'm thrifty myself.

Well, I have no basis for comparison - maybe my glue doesn't have the best aroma either, but I was kinda expecting that - and now I love it

. Acquired "taste"...

George

vejesse · #10 06-11-2010, 03:44 PM

You'd know the difference. Fresh hide glue has a pleasant smell ( and taste if you're into that sort of thing). A bit more game-y than store bought gelatin but it smells sweet. When it sits in the fridge for a long time it smells different - more like funky leftovers.

Uncletoad · #11 06-11-2010, 04:18 PM

My latest batch of Glue crystals really smells horrid. Moreso than usual. Glues up fine. It's a 10 lbs bag so I'll have to live with it for awhile. Yuck.

I make fresh glue every time and never leave it burn and then reheat. I don't see the point in it. You work to hard on the stuff you glue to not use the best adhesive. Overall it's to cheap to risk bad results on reusing batches.

Just mix around what you need and toss it when it's done.

robobass · #12 06-11-2010, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

My latest batch of Glue crystals really smells horrid. Moreso than usual. Glues up fine. It's a 10 lbs bag so I'll have to live with it for awhile. Yuck.

I make fresh glue every time and never leave it burn and then reheat. I don't see the point in it. You work to hard on the stuff you glue to not use the best adhesive. Overall it's to cheap to risk bad results on reusing batches.

Just mix around what you need and toss it when it's done.

I agree in theory, but I simply don't see a problem with reheating if you store it properly. I recently repaired a fingerboard which was literally cracked in two in a bike accident. The local luthiers quite rightly refused to touch it, excepting a new board. The victim was a friend, so I said I'd try. I used my four year old glue from the fridge, got a good fit, and clamped it up really well. Six months later it's holding fine, and you wouldn't ever see the seam if you weren't looking for it. I did cheat with some ebony dust and Krazy glue, but my point is that you can absolutely store mixed glue

Uncletoad · #13 06-11-2010, 11:05 PM

I don't think I said you "couldn't" do it. I said I don't. I've seen hide glue fail before when it doesn't dry properly or sets to fast. If a glue joint fails on a customer job I look like an idiot.

That stuff is really cheap. I spend more money on toilet paper in a year than hide glue.

Do as you like with your work. In my business I don't like to leave any more room for error than already exists.

William Hoffman · #14 06-12-2010, 12:14 AM

i wouldn't want to re-use toilet paper, but i've kept hide glue for a day or two in the fridge.

MIKMAN · #15 06-12-2010, 01:22 AM

LOL!!!
William you made my day!!!

robobass · #16 06-12-2010, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Hoffman

i wouldn't want to re-use toilet paper, but i've kept hide glue for a day or two in the fridge.

Toilet paper can easily be washed and reused. I thought everyone did it!

vejesse · #17 06-12-2010, 05:20 AM

Must be some old Soviet toilet paper still circulating in Germany. Strong like bull.

George700DL · #18 06-12-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vejesse

Must be some old Soviet toilet paper still circulating in Germany. Strong like bull.

It's called "newspaper" here.

What an innocent thread idea, and look where it's taken us

Uncletoad · #19 06-12-2010, 09:26 AM

Many threads descend into the toilet before they die.

james condino · #20 06-12-2010, 09:49 AM

Before the thread completely falls apart....almost every time I use any glue, fresh or old, I always make up a test piece along with the one I'm working on. Typically that means grabbing a couple of pieces of wood out of the scrap pile and glueing them together. Over the next few days I keep an eye on them and test the glue strangth to failure. Good joint = good glue. For the most part, hide glue is so inexpensive that if there is any doubt, I just throw it out and make up a new batch.

j.