glue pot on the cheap

[jim simpson]

Any current ideas on putting together a glue pot rig on the cheap. I need to get setup and can't quite get myself to pay $140 or so for something I'll use infrequently. I do want to be able to control the temperature properly.

[MikeEdgerton]

I'm wondering out loud if you could use this for small batches.

http://www.amazon.com/Surebonder-Ele...=hide+glue+pot

[Steve Ostrander]

I've heard of builders using the small crock pots that are used for serving dips.

[multidon]

I got a small batch set up from International Violin, the kit cross around 30 dollars I think but probably cheaper to put together yourself. The main components are a small heater that is either a coffee cup warmer or a potpourri warmer. Sort of a mini hot plate sof sore. Then a small jar and a smaller jar that has a brush in the lid. The trick is this: you fill the larger jar with HOT tap water, which should be around 130 degrees or so, then put it on the warmer plate to maintain temperature. In the smaller battle you mix your glue flakes with hot water, shake it, microwave it for a few seconds, shake well, and microwave a few seconds again, then shake again, until the consistency is right. Then put the smaller bottle in the water bath. It will stay workable for quite a while like that.

The kit also includes some glue flakes and small brushes, along with detailed instructions. I have found it to be pretty useful.

[bennyb]

Howdy Jim,

I got the Little Dipper CrockPot on craigslist for $5 bucks. 1 Hole for the little glue bottle, one longer hole for the (awol) dairy thermometer, two additional holes to bring the temp back to 145*F. With a lid on top, it gets a little too hot, and wide open it runs a little under 140. I have another lid for two glue bottles. The glue bottles have stainless nuts have within to hold them down and to maintain the temp.

benny

[Bernie Daniel]

My set up cost about $16 as I recall....works fine for me as I use it very infrequently.

[Marty Jacobson]

I use one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/WX1-Coffee-Car...+coffee+warmer
You can find them at Goodwill and so for a few bucks.

It was going to hot rod it with a temperature control, but as long as I don't let it run out of water, it doesn't need anything. Turns out coffee temperature is also HHG temperature, haha. And it's safe, at only 100w it isn't going to burn down the shop if I accidentally leave it on.

[pops1]

I have a pot that you might heat soup in, it would heat like two bowls and have a temp control. I put a piece of aluminum that i drilled holes and put 3 screws in to keep in off the bottom of the pot. This looks like a small coffee pot. I use a candy thermometer to set temp and a baby food jar to put glue in. This is my second and have been using almost daily for over 20 years. I could use a bigger jar if i need to or 5 small one's for that matter. Less than $20 for all.

[tom.gibson]

A baby bottle/food warmer works well, has adjustable thermostat, and is a nice neat size. You can pick them up pretty cheaply, especially secondhand.

[kjbllc]

some people use a microwave, i don't

[jhowell]

I used a bit older version of one of these: Proctor Silex® 32-Ounce Hot Pot. It has a thermostat and I put a layer of glass marbles from a flower shop in the bottom. It made a great hot water bath for hide glue. I made up batches of glue ahead of time in 2 oz and 4 oz plastic bottles and kept a stash in the freezer.

[John Arnold]

I use this one....works great. I found it on Ebay a couple of years ago for around $30.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Electric-Hot...-/291102507161

I had a quart size Hold Heet for 20 years, but it finally bit the dust. I like the Wax Warmer better.

[Michael Lewis]

Well, that's got to be the winner. Thermostat and all. Excellent find, and free shipping!

I use a much cheaper "hot pot" and keep the glue in a heavy bottomed whiskey glass so it doesn't float or fall over in the water bath. Remember that you need access to the hot water to dip your brush, thin or 'prime' glue, and clean up.

[MikeEdgerton]

I may buy one of those myself.

[Austin Clark]

I use one of those little pots that are for heating water for tea/coffee. The lowest setting is right at 140 degrees. Easy to clean and heats up really fast. Also, I really like the hinged top as it keeps the glue from skimming over. I think it probably cost less than $15.

[kjbllc]

here is another thread on glue pots from the violin guys
http://www.maestronet.com/forum/inde...-alternatives/

[Dale Ludewig]

John Arnold- I agree, that's a winner. I use a little Rival mini-crock pot thing I got at Bed Band and Beyond. I keep the glue in little plastic bottles with stainless steel nuts in them to keep the glue warm a little longer when they're pulled out of the water bath. Use a cooking thermometer to double check the temperature. Whatever you use, I recommend plugging it into a timer so if you forget to unplug it at the end of the day, it'll shut itself off. Those were a couple of tips from Mario Proulx some years ago.

[jim simpson]

I have to say that I'm mightily impressed with all of the great suggestions. All are in my budget, I'm liking John Arnold's example.

[Champlin]

I use a thrift store bought Little Dipper by Crock Pot. I cut the cord and wired in a dimmer switch. With that it is very easy to keep my glue at exactly 145. Before I wired in the switch, I found it got too hot. I have a small jar suspended in the pot surrounded by water.

[billhay4]

This just in from Lee Valley. I'd put my money there.
Bill

[jim simpson]

This just in from Lee Valley. I'd put my money there.
Bill

Nice!

[MikeEdgerton]

I think I'm going to grab one of these. It's 16.99 and I can combine with other items for free shipping on Amazon.

[billhay4]

I just got one of the Lee Valley pots. Small capacity, but very nicely made as most Lee Valley stuff is. Cast metal with an outer and inner pot to keep the glue warm longer. The little warming plate they sell will do the trick nicely, too. A nice buy for $35.
Bill

[MikeEdgerton]

I was looking at that site. Some neat hardware (non-musical) for sale on that site too.

[billhay4]

They're the same company as Veritas, I believe, and make wonderful woodworking tools. Their hardware and gardening stuff is top rate, also. Their innovative designs and materials are in a class by themselves a mass market company. I've spent a fortune there.
Bill