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So, I'm following the instructions on the label, 3 parts glue, 2 parts water, and the consistency is like toffee, unuseable.

Normally I just add water til it looks good, but I'm wondering if there's something wrong with this glue...

I start with equal volumes of granulated glue and water, or even a bit more water than glue. Then heat it to 140 degrees F. Are you getting it hot enough? Check the temperature with one of those roast meat thermometers. Maybe the old crock pot is letting you down? If it's not that, then your glue is sus.

Not sure what glue you have, but that seems like not enough water.

http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier ... glue1.html

From time to time I try following instructions, it's usually a let down...

That vid gives a completely different ratio, thanks...

So does the link to Frank's site.
http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier ... glue1.html

I've seen different "recipes" across the net - whether by volume or weight, the ones I've seen "average" 2:1 water to glue.

Your instructions is the only one I've seen that has more glue to water.

No Measure method - To make up hide glue I fill small bottles with the granules and then fill in the voids between them with water, heat it to 140 degrees. It seems to be about the right consistency for most jobs.

I'd have to say that my instructions are just wrong, that's all. No wonder I never follow instructions.

I start the same way (fill until the water is a bit over top of the granules in the bottle), but usually have to add more water after heating it up. Better to start too thick since you can add water quickly, but adding more granules takes time for them to saturate and liquefy.

Maybe whoever wrote your instructions meant to put 3 parts water and 2 parts glue. Might be a little watery at that point, but probably still usable.

When you say parts, are you measuring volume or weight? I go by weight. I prefer a ratio of about 1.8 parts water to 1 part dry glue, by weight. 2 to 1 is awfully runny, but can be useful for tasks that call for runny glue.

Visual guide is a steady drip of hhg off the brush, vlnmakers use a bristle brush. If too fast and thin add more glue, if too thick and slow add more water ,

I also make small batches for the job at hand in small plastic squeeze bottles. Put in the granules, add distilled water until it saturates the granules and pour off any excess. Heat and add a little water if needed. Usually it is good.

I have found that if there is a layer of water over the granules it is usually too thin.

I learned the trick of putting a stainless steel nut in the bottle so it floats upright right here on the OLF many years ago from Mario P.

_________________
It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I use 315gm glue and my mix is 1 part glue to 2 parts water. Comes out like medium to thin honey.

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Allen R. McFarlen
Barron River Guitars & Ukuleles
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Cairns, Australia

When I weight it out it comes out a bit thicker than I'd like but using Earlwine's recommended proportions (2 to 1 ) it came out really watery and unusable so I just do it by wight and thin it out a bit when it seems too thick.