Official Luthiers Forum!

Internet lore suggests it is not as strong as hot hide although I have not actually seen any testing. I use the hot stuff for building.

Anybody ever built a guitar with Tightbond hide or seen actual data as to how much weaker it is than hot?

The results of this testing reinforce the importance of maintaining a controlled environment for the
display and storage of wood objects. The most critical factor in the strength and stability of the 20 liquid
hide glue and 20 hot hide glue joins was the environment.

Based purely on strength characteristics this testing indicates that liquid hide glue is the glue of choice
for repairing a join which will undergo significant stress, such as the structural join of a chair in regular
use. But, more importantly, that decision must also take into consideration the environmental conditions.
Under normal conditions of 50% RH and room temperature liquid hide glue provides the strongest
bond. However, hot hide glue proved to be the more stable of the two glues under extreme conditions
of high heat or high humidity, and thus would be the more desirable choice if fluctuating environmental
conditions are anticipated.

It is also important to consider whether a very strong bond is desirable, especially if it is coupled with
a higher percentage of possible glue failure. In instances where the glued area will not be subjected
to excessive stress, the slightly lower strength, lower percentage wood failure hot hide glue is more
appropriate.

make sure you get it very fresh.

Chris stated that he uses it to join dark colored woods. What about light colored woods? One of the advantages of hot hide glue I've heard about is that it produces a virtually invisible glue line on spruce. True? If so, what about liquid hide glue?

Max