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Question about old school core box repair
I was fixing a busted wooden core box from a 1920s pattern and found out they used hide glue mixed with fine sand as a filler. Read it in a 1953 trade journal my boss keeps in the office. Anyone know if that's still a valid fix for vintage patterns or is modern epoxy the only way now?
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the_taylor6mo ago
Totally agree with Nora, hide glue is the way to go for something that old. Used it on a 1920s tool chest and it just WORKS, the joint has a little give so the wood doesn't crack. Modern glue is too rigid and can actually cause more damage over time. That sand trick is genius for filling gaps, makes it super strong. Feels right keeping the repair period correct too.
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zarag175mo ago
Yeah I read hide glue can be reversed with heat so if you mess up it's not permanent which is huge for old pieces lol
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the_nora6mo ago
Oh wow, that's a cool find! My buddy who restores old furniture swears by hide glue for period repairs, says it lets the wood move like it's supposed to. I'd stick with the original method if you want to keep it real.
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williams.drew6mo ago
Disagree completely. Hide glue is a pain to work with and smells awful. Modern wood glues are stronger and way more reliable for a repair that needs to last. The whole "let it move" thing is overrated for most pieces people actually use.
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