I've been a restorer and organ builder for some 35 years now, and even
as an apprenticed organ builder I seem to recollect disliking the smell
of hot glue.  Never-the-less hot glue pots simmering away were a feature
of organ building life.  that doesn't mean there weren't any white glue
pots to be seen, white PVA glue was being used in more and more
applications.  Personally I've found the use of hot glue awkward, you
need to be in fairly warm ambient surroundings to help keep the stuff
from skinning over etc., etc.

I've always used PVA to set pneumatics back on their chests, but have
followed the Aeolian Co.'s example of bedding on thin split skin or
paper, I've never had problems removing them later.

On the subject of white PVA glue there is now available from Russell's
Fine Leathers reversible PVA.  It apparently boasts all the refinements
of a good strong adhesive with the ability to be dissolved with hot
water or steaming depending on the nature of its use.  For those
interested the address is:-

  Russell's Fine Leathers
  Great North Road,
  Wyboston, Bedfordshire  MK44 3AB
  Phone 01480 405464.
  e-mail.  john@russels.powernet.co.uk  (only 1 l in russels)

They are also purveyors of fine quality leathers, felts, finishes,
special papers and sundry items.

I've also noted with interest the method used by some MMD'ers for
re-graphiteing slider valves, powdered graphite applied with alcohol
dipped pieces of felt.  Here in the UK there's an easier way its called
Colloidal Graphite in Alcohol, its been available for donkey's years.

Its trade name is Metalflo 20 its sold in 1-liter tins and can be
applied with felt pad and buffed or burnished when dry it looks and
feels as good as the original material used 80 or 90 years ago.  It's
manufactured by Rocol Ltd, who are renowned for their specialist
lubricants and cutting fluids:-

  Rocol Ltd
  Rocol House,
  Swillington, Leeds  LS26 8BS
  Phone 0113 2322600

Metalflo 20 is available through Kimber Allen, the UK's leading organ
builders suppliers:-

  Kimber Allen
  Broomfield Works, London Road,
  Swanley, Kent  BR8 8DF
  Phone 01322 663234.

Hope the above is of interest.  All the best

Paul Camps