PATTERN MAKING 81 



adhesive qualities of the glue; on the other hand, it sets more 

 readily and dries more quickly, but for this very reason, it is harder 

 to use on large surfaces, as the first brushing on one part of the 

 work will begin to set before the entire surface can be covered. 

 For all small or moderate-sized work, however, the opaque, white 

 glue is to be preferred. 



Good glue will keep in a dry room of any temperature for an 

 indefinite length of time, but when cooked in the glue-pot it 

 deteriorates very rapidly. Each successive reheating and boiling 

 lessens its adhesive qualities, hence it should always be used fresh 

 or nearly so. A greater quantity of glue than is likely to be used 

 in two or three days should not be cooked at one time. 



The cooking and preparing must be done in the regular glue- 

 pot, made for the purpose, and sold in all hardware stores. No 

 rule can be given for the relative quantities of glue and water to 

 be used. Some glues, especially the cheaper grades, require much 

 less water than the better and finer qualities. As a general rule 

 however, pack the glue firmly in the pot and add sufficient cold 

 water to cover it. Fill the outside kettle with cold water and boil 

 until thoroughly cooked, so that it will run smooth and clear from 

 the brush or paddle. It should run freely without returning and 

 gathering in bunches or clots at the end of the paddle, but must 

 not be so thin as to be weak and watery. 



If the glue is too thick, no amount of pressure will bring the 

 two glued surfaces in close contact, and if too thin there is danger 

 that the joint will not hold. Always use cold water for cooking 

 and dissolving fresh glue. Hot or boiling water will make the glue 

 stringy and will require a much longer time to cook to an even and 

 smooth consistency. Great care should also be taken to keep the 

 outside kettle, which surrounds the glue-pot proper, full of water. 

 If allowed to boil dry the glue in the inner pot will be scorched, 

 or burned, and will then be entirely useless. It must then be 

 thrown out, the pot washed or boiled out clean, and fresh glue again 

 cooked. The hot water in the outside kettle should in all cases be 

 used for thinning the glue to the required consistency. Cold water 

 chills the glue and necessitates reheating. In cold weather the 

 precaution must be taken, unless the room is warm and entirely 

 free from drafts, to heat the pieces of wood before applying the 



