Hammer Veneering: Using Traditional Protein Glue Techniques with Patrick Edwards October 24, 2021 (Sun)

For centuries furniture makers have built ordinary and spectacular creations which all have one point in common: they all use traditional protein glues. There is a wide range of protein glues available for specific applications, from securing marquetry elements of ivory, brass or wood, to holding gold leaf to gesso, to laminations or solid wood construction. Fish glue, horsehide and cowhide glue, bone glue, and rabbit skin glue are the most common forms of this adhesive. It is important to understand each type and its proper use, as well as methods used to prepare, apply and clean up residue. All these glues are reversible, and it is essential to know how this is accomplished. Patrick will demonstrate a wide variety of clamping tricks, from clamping curves and laminations, to hammer veneering and rubbed joints. Students will be provided with a pound of 192-gram strength hide glue and a bottle of Old Brown Glue to take home for further practice. Essential tools like a toothing plane, traditional glue pot, and veneer hammer will be analyzed and explained so that the student will understand which features are important for their personal collection.