I have a lovely antique carving of a bird that has a broken wing, and due to its intricate design, clamping isn't an option for repair. While I know that hide glue is the historically accurate choice, it takes too long to set—around 30 minutes. I'm looking for recommendations on quality super glues or any fast-setting adhesive that can help with this specific repair. Any suggestions? Thanks!
4 Answers
Just a heads-up, while hide glue sets in minutes, it can take a bit longer to fully cure. Keep that in mind for your repair timeline!
I've found that superglue isn't the best option for wood since it's relatively weak. Depending on the size of your carving, you could enhance the bond by using wood glue but leave a few small sections free of glue. Fill those with superglue instead. Hold it for a bit until the superglue sets, and it should provide enough strength for the wood glue to cure properly. Oh, and using blue tape as a flexible clamp works wonders too! I also prefer gel superglue because it's easier to control.
Have you thought about using hot hide glue? It tacks up quickly and provides a solid bond without the long wait.
I'd recommend using CA glue along with an accelerator. Just apply the CA glue on one part and the accelerator on the other—when they touch, they bond really quickly, usually in about 2 seconds! It's super effective for quick fixes like yours.
And it's probably best to go with medium or thick CA for a stronger hold!