Hi,  The recent discussion about which way to glue valve leather and
using hide glue brought to mind something I had meant to mention on
MMD a few months ago.

I bought some leather from Columbia Leather (in PA) a few months ago
and the nice lady who took the order asked if I had glue.  I told her
that I'd probably use hide glue.  She suggested that I try their
liquid fish glue.   So I got a tiny bottle to try on the job at hand:
leathering the stoppers in about 75 pipes for a barrel organ.

Well, that stuff is great!  It's very tacky, but you can reposition
the leather and if you hold it between your fingers for about 30
seconds, it stays in place for the next operation, if you're in a
hurry.  I could butter up the stopper and apply the leather just like
hide glue, and move it around to get the best fit.

I put the stopper into the pipe and worked and stretched it as
I pushed the stopper all the way in.  I'd do four or five more, and
by that time the first one was dry enough to pull it out and trim it.

All but the tiny pipes went in in one piece.  For those, I did the
bottom and the two opposite sides and held it for a minute to dry.
Then I could trim it to fit on the ends and then do the other two
sides.

They also have another glue for gluing two pieces of leather, or
leather to felt with a flexible joint.

If someone else has used these glues, perhaps they can share their
experience.  I was _very_ pleased with the results and, I might add,
I still have half a bottle left after 75 pipes.

Craig Smith