Graphical Construction Glossary >> Tools. >> Hand Tools >> Animal Glue

Animal Glue

A mixture of animal by products rendered down and dried to a hard jelly like consistency. When heated it takes on a liquid state and can be used as glue. It is the oldest of glues having been used by the ancient Egyptians.

Glue Pot

The pot actually consists of two pots a larger outer water pot in which water is simmered to warm the inner glue pot that sits on the inside rim of the outer one leaving a gap for a jacket of water around it.

This glue is really many different glues from many different animals. It can be from Cow Hides, rabbit skins, fish and hoofs of various animals.

Depending on how it was made it can come in crystals or as a stiff jelly.

It is still used today for many fine cabinetmaking jobs an restoration work.

The cast iron pot has to be kept just on the simmer. Woe betide the first year apprentice in charge of the glue if he let the pot boil dry. A horrible stink would invade the workshop and in a bad case the glue would be ruined.

The choice of material for the pots is no accident. Cooks have long known the advantage of cooking in cast iron, with it's slow heat retaining capacity.

The glue is at it's optimum when it is hot and fully liquid, and the cast iron helps to retain the heat when the inner pot is carry to a bench for gluing up.

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