I am an avid reader of articles concerning player pianos, pianos, wood
working, and metal working, the last two only to improve my skills as
a piano technician.  I believe I have learned a great deal about
working with tools and materials from those outside the piano trade.

There seems to be more interest in general woodworking than pianos,
which in turn gives a larger audience from which to gain knowledge.
Just turn on your television and notice how many shows there are about
woodworking compared to piano rebuilding.

One magazine that stands out on woodworking is the "Fine Woodworking"
magazine by Taunton Press.  They have a web site where you can go for
subscription information: http://www.taunton.com/

Over the years they have run several articles about adhesives written
by chemist and other wood workers.  One issue mentioned a Lawrence
Broadmoore who uses hot hide glue in his piano shop.  This issue is no
longer available but had some excellent points about hot hide glue.
Maybe Larry knows the issue number.  I think it was about 12 years ago.

This article also mentioned Steinway Piano Company was still using hot
hide glue.  It was interesting that hot hide glue, when refined and
refined, finally becomes a food product most of us know as "Jell-o".

Several years went by before another hot hide glue article was written.
In the February 1999 issue is another article about adhesives.  This
article is not as comprehensive as some earlier articles, but it's
still an excellent article.

Hot hide glue is manufactured in different strengths.  When additives
are added they weaken the glue bond.  (Liquid hide glue has additives
-- get the message?!)  Hot hide glue is an excellent glue for any work
in a player piano when using traditional materials.

When veneering, hot hide glue can be used without clamps by using an
old (really old-time) method known as hammer veneering.  The glue can
be used on the outside of the veneer as grain filler and for sizing.
(Have you ever seen veneer jobs "buckle"?  Hot hide glue veneer repairs
are less likely to buckle.)

Hot hide glue is non-toxic.  It cures very hard; it machines and sands
well, and it will take a stain.  It has excellent creep resistance, and
it's resistant to moderate heat, moisture levels and solvents.  Hot
hide glue will satisfy any purist, and if the non-purist gets over his
laziness then he too will love it as I do.

So much from my fishbowl.

Don Teach

(Robbie, this was typed with baby Taylor in my arms, so the grammar
and spelling may need some clean-up.)

 [ No problem; I put a clean diaper across my lap !  ;)  -- Robbie