PVA vs Hide glue
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Hard to tell, which is better. Apparently, it is completely inappropriate to repair antique furniture with the wrong glue. Also the making of musical instruments (probably not church organ housings) requires the correct glue, which is often animal hide glue or even a specific type of it. On the other hand, animal hide glue is definitely not for vegetarians and vegans. But I am not sure, how “clean” white glue actually is.
Hard Facts I found:
Animal hide glue softens at around 60°C (perhaps not without moisture, but I think, moisture is only needed to convey the heat), white glue at around 90-120°C, depending on the brand and data-sheet.
The hardened white glue is transparent and a bit flexible
The hardened animal hide glue is brownish transparent, hard and brittle
Both glue types are not water resistant and can be reactivated by heat. White glue needs more time and more heat.
White glue takes longer to “grip”, so it leaves more time for final adjustments and clamping.
I have recently bought 1 kg of granulated animal hide glue, because I need to restore an antique desk. Working with it is not difficult at all, it only requires some planning, because of the preparation. On a daily basis, this would be no problem at all, woodworkers used to have their glue-pot on the oven all the time, as readily available as a bottle of white glue nowadays. I also have 500 ml (a bit less than a pint) of white glue, that needs to be use before it decays. So I will use both as I please.
Dieter