Posted by Mike Jackson on March 03, 2004
Mike JacksonHi again,
I called Milligan & Higgins today and was able to speak with Jay in their technical division.
Here's the technical info. The make the following grades of hide glue:
Grades Available: 80, 110, 135, 164, 192, 222, 251, 280, 315, 347, 379, 411, 444, 478, 512 Jelly Grams
The strength of the glue gets stronger as the gram strength numbers get larger.
We have always been told about 3x and 5x glue. Here is how they compare:
5x (weakest) = 135 gram strength
4x (suggested) = 164 gram strength
3x (stonger) = 192 gram strength
The confusion above is caused by the strength getting weaker as the X value increases.
Milligan & Higgins sells a grade they call #10 Glass Chipping Glue which is 4x, 164 gram strength. They test that glue on glass in their lab constantly and know it works in most conditions.
I asked about my old darker 5x glue. He told me I must have purchased it more than 12 years ago and they don't make it anymore...no one does. Actually, I probably bought my 100lbs closer to 18 years ago. He said that darker glue was made from chrome hides with more chromium in them and environmental production concerns basically stopped manufacturing that product.
Lastly, he mentioned the archaic nunbering and grading system he inherited as a technician. He didn't know exactly when the rating started, but the 315 gram strength was X...similar to the freezing point of water being 0 degrees celcius. From that level, there were additional numbering for grades above that and below that. 3x, 4x, and 5x were part of that old system. Now he says he just tries to grade using the gram strength numbers, but has to constantly work with the old systems.
Grades Available: 80, 110, 135, 164, 192, 222, 251, 280, 315, 347, 379, 411, 444, 478, 512 Jelly Grams
So, if you buy from Milligan & Higgins, ask for either #10 chipping glue or 164 gram strength for the normal glue.
Clear as mud?
Mike
The list below was forwarded to me by Dennis this morning. It lists a couple of places that sell the glue in 1 lb and larger quantities.
MILLIGAN & HIGGINS
100 Maple Ave., Johnstown, New York 12095-0506 USA
Telephone: 518-762-4638, Facsimile: 518-762-7039
e-mail: milligan@superior.net, http://www.milligan1868.com
Small quantity re-sellers of Milligan & Higgins Products:
Ed Hoy’s International
27625 Diehl Rd.
Warrenville, IL 60555
Tel: 630-836-1353/Fax: 630-836-1362
GCG#10 (Glass Chipping)
Liberon/Star Wood Finish Supply
18701 North Highway 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Tel: 800-245-5611/Fax: 707-962-9484
192, 222, Rabbit Skin and GCG#10 -Glass Chipping
Denver Chapter of the Letterheads