Official Luthiers Forum!

I bought a bottle of fish glue, Norland I think, several years ago and
am wondering how long this stuff will be good for. Can't find any info
on the bottle or web site.
TIA

I have some that is several years old and still use it. Haven't had a problem yet>

I'm with Robbie. I have a 3 year old bottle and have no issues with glue joints.

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I have some 3 years old and I think it is fine as my testing showed it held perfectly, though I did order a new bucket recently just to be sure.

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Gwaltney Guitars

I'm not sure, but I think the LeeValley fish glue is Norland?
The LV bottle says "Shelf life = 2years", but this is probably conservative if your shop is cool.
I did have some 3-yr old fish glue a while back and I 'downgraded' it to non-guitar jobs, and bought a new bottle.

Cheers
John

I ordered a gallon from Norland 2 years ago and just kept most of it in the refrigerator. It's still good.

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michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com

I've had it for 3 years and it still keeps sticking.

I keep the bulk of the glue in the fridge and use a working 2 oz bottle. One thing that Norland recommends is to stir the glue. I stir the fridge quantity each time before I fill the working bottle. I found that this is important...my tests showed a difference in joint strength.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

5 years and counting...

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

I use the glue from Kremer and it claims a five year shelf life.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

I suspect it would start to smell bad when it starts to go bad. I can't back this up with actual experience though.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

The Fish glue from Kremer used to give a 5 year shelf life. I think my latest batch states (can't quite remember) either 1 or 2 years. Perhaps they are being very cautious.

Fish glue can be frozen with no ill effects.
So if you buy a large quantity put some of it in the freezer in tight sealing containers.
Mark it well so no one uses it as gravy!
If you have some that is starting to thicken just add some warm water-NOT with Clorine in it -Like some Aquafina( or purified) warmed in the Microwave .
Add some & stir till you get as close as you can to the original consistancy.
I use it all the time and have a container that is 3 1/2 years old.
The stuff is great !

Mike

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Mike Collins