PVA adhesive (Titebond) vs Hide glue.

[Packard]

The project I am working on (cane panel for a cabinet door) calls for hide glue.  All the instructions online specify hide glue, but none give a reason why.

Some research has led me to ask, "Why PVA?"  The strength of hide glue exceeds most wood; it has better gap filling capability; it cures evenly; and it does not "creep".

So why do we all seem to use one of the Titebond glues or the equivalent?
https://blog.lddavis.com/hide-glue-strength-for-woodworking-applications

 

[rvieceli]

It appears you can do both as Titebond makes a Hide Glue as well.
http://www.titebond.com/product/glues/9e9995b4-08eb-4fc6-8254-c47daa20f8ed

Ron

 

[Packard]

The only reason I mentioned Titebond is that it seems to be the most widely recognized brand of PVA adhesives.

I did have to order the hide glue (Tightbond) from Rockler.  None of the local stores carry it. 

I like the fact that it does not interfere with stains.  I will have to check the open time on this stuff.

 

[simnick]

Glue strength is not the only factor for glues. Most of them are strong enough.

Hide Glue is reversible with heat and water. This is great, and horrible for some situations (kitchens, bathrooms).
Hide glue has long open time. This is annoying for simple glue ups, and great for large complex ones.
Hide glue is very temperature sensitive, and normally requires hot pot to use (some versions aside)
Hide glue has a short shelf life when prepared.
Hide glue has little gap filling capability.
Hide glue has no creep, and a better glue line. Also finishes can penetrate it.

Hide glue is likely underused, but the cons stop it being the default for everything.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/201...my-favorite-sticky-stuff-for-most-woodworking

 

[bertv]

Old school hide glue smells *nasty*. Maybe newer formulas don’t, I do not know. In art school the painters used rabbit skin glue to prepare canvases, that is how I know.
Also: hide glue needs to be at a certain temperature to work okay & that is somewhat of an inconvenience.

 

[Cheese]

The only reason I mentioned Titebond is that it seems to be the most widely recognized brand of PVA adhesives.

That hasn't always been the case, 50 years ago Elmer's glue is what everyone used and what every store carried. Elmer's glue was introduced and marketed before Titebond came along.

[attachimg=1]

 

[ChuckM]

Snip.
Hide Glue is reversible with heat and water. This is great, and horrible for some situations (kitchens, bathrooms).
Hide glue has long open time. This is annoying for simple glue ups, and great for large complex ones.

Snip.

The only two reasons why I use the Old Brown Glue, which is a form of liquid hide glue. It had saved me twice when I needed to undo a joint.

Its use requires long clamping time, at least 8 hours for me, so I need lots of clamps if doing multiples of pieces. I put the glue in the refrigerator (not freezer) to prolong its shelf life (by at least a year).