For over 5000 years people have been using animal hides to make glue. Until the invention of synthetic glues, animal hide glue was the most common type of glue used in woodworking.

Making Hide Glue

Scrape, sand or cut your animal hide into small pieces or shavings. (The closer to powder you can make it, the easier it will be to work with) Boil a pot of water Gently cook until the mixture thickens. You will have to replace the water as it evaporates. (this process will take forever, some people cook it for days at a low heat) Strain the mixture with an old T-shirt or cheese cloth. The mixture can be used as is, or Dried for storage.

How to Store Hide glue

Pour the mixture into a metal cake pan or metal sheet. (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick) When the mixture dries to a gelatin consistency, cut it into 1 inch square chucks. Let the mixture set for another week. Pop the squares out of the pan. With a thick needle, run some string through the squares and hang dry for at least another week. Store in a waterproof container. ( If kept dry the dried squares can be stored forever.)

Using Dry Hide Glue

To use the glue, take your dried chucks and dissolve them in a small amount of hot water. Let it heat up into a syrup, and then apply the mixture warm. Clamp your wood together and let it set. You’re now good to go.