Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills
Hide glew--20 questions
hedgeapple:
I've read many of the posts about hide glue. It seems deer hide is better than cowhide. You slow cook pieces in a bit of water until it starts to gell, remove pieces cook until it is gelled. Simple but time intensive. Now for the questions.
I have some old deer hides some have too many holes to make much from it by tanning them. Would they be suitable for making hide glew? Should I still soak them in hardwood ash to remove the hair? How should I store it for use later?
Justin Snyder:
I would use the hides the way they are. No point in removing the hair.
Dry or freeze the glue for storage.
hedgeapple:
Thanks Justin.
Justin Snyder:
If the hair is already wanting to come out, you might want to remove it. It will make it a little easier to keep hair out of the glue. Straining it should solve the problem, but it really depends on how picky you are. I don't mind a few hairs in it myself so I don't worry about it. Justin
JackCrafty:
I think they will be fine for glue. The older they are the weaker the glue will be, of course. Personally, I think the hair should be removed. I soak my hides for a couple days in a hydrated lime solution (1lb for every 5 gal water). I like hydrated lime because it won't kill the soil where you dump it. The hair can be thrown into a compost pile.
The glue can be stored dry for a very long time (on the shelf). If mixed with water, it can be stored in the frig.
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