The stuff likes to be kept warm … about 140° warm.
One can get a really really nice glue pot at TFWW. Yet, for as often as I use hide glue, something more affordable suits my needs. (Sorry Joel.)
As I walked down the kitchen accessories aisle at Walmart a couple of days ago, this “Roll-Back Special” caught my eye. I don’t know how much Walmart stores across the country standardize their sale items, but in my neighborhood it was priced at $8.86. A slow-cooker glue pot for less than 10 bucks!
It does exactly what I want for the sorts of occasional glue ups I do. I mix glue from TFWW flakes in a small glass jar (pickle relish). That jar fits nicely inside the pot. Fill with enough water to surround, but not overwhelm the jar and set to HIGH for about 30 minutes. That gets the temperature up to near 140. It will go to 180 if you don’t watch it. Then, set to WARM which holds right at 140°. Perfect!
Oh… Keep the lid on the pot while not using the glue. Otherwise the temperature drops off fast.
That’s is a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Bob
You might consider putting the lid on the jar before the lid on the glue pot. Dripping condensation could alter your glue mix. Probably not that critical though
Hey, great idea! I started using a used baby bottle warmer a couple years ago. Just figure out which setting gives you the correct temperature and there you go. Many even have an insert to put baby food jars in as well. Just reuse those for glue and you have a nice capacity for small glue-ups. These things can be had new for under 20USD.
Thanks guys.
To your point Roy: good idea! … and I had the lid on the jar right up until I took the picture. I wanted to show actual glue, not a label for hot dog relish. 🙂
Can you reheat the glue and use it again or is it done the first time you let it cool? I have never used hide glue was wondering.
Jim,
I’m not a hide glue expert, but from what I’ve read and practiced, yes, hide glue can be reheated and used. I’m sure there are limits to this and how long it remains viable, but I have not studied that aspect enough. I usually mix a small enough amount to use within a few days.
We probably ought to read “the hide glue bible,” Stephen Shepherd’s book. Alas, it seems to be out of print. He does offer a test at this blog post.
Hi Bob,
This is a great, simple approach. I’ve seen folks cut a plywood washer with an OD to fit the crock pot, and an ID to fit the jar. That retains the heat in the water. some relief holes near the jar will let steam out, and the moisture in the air (in theory) should keep the surface of the glue in the jar from drying out .
As far as re-use, I’ve used mine for weeks, adding glue as it gets used up. I fire it up when I need to glue, add hot water if it’s too thick and shut it off when done. I just leave it on the bench, I don’t seal it or refrigerate it. I’m no expert, but it seems to work OK.
Thanks Joe,
Thanks for the tips and the re-use experience.
Thanks a lot for all the info it sounds easier then I have been thinking I am going to try it . Thanks again to all
Hey thanks for the shout! I’m pretty sure Joel will just be thrilled that you like the glue. We had the same pot going for quite a while once and never had any problems. That said we’d stick it in the fridge between uses. Kept a lid on it too but that seemed only proper considering staff lunches were also in there.