Switching from the old school glue pot to modern PVA changed my whole build quality

Back in 2004 I was still using that old hot hide glue pot my mentor gave me. It worked fine but you had to keep it at exactly 145 degrees or it would gel up on you mid-assembly. I switched to Titebond III on a big library job in Portland about 8 years ago. No more reheating joints when the phone rings. Has anyone else had better luck with one over the other for face frames?

2 comments

2 Comments

piper_lopez4d ago

Forgot to turn off my glue pot once back in 2006 and it cooked the hide glue into this rubbery mess that smelled like a wet dog had been sleeping in my shop. Had to scrape the whole panel glue-up and start over. That was the moment I started keeping a Titebond bottle on the bench as backup. Now I use the PVA for everything except some antique restoration work where the hide glue is expected.

patel.leo4d ago

Switched to Titebond III myself about 7 years ago after a hide glue disaster with a cabinet face frame. The stuff got too thick on me and I had to throw the whole thing out because the joints wouldn't close right. That glue pot smell is something else too, like you said. Once I tried PVA I never looked back. It's just way more forgiving when you get interrupted or need to take your time. I still keep a little jar of hide glue around for the rare old furniture repair, but otherwise it's PVA all the way.