I'm puzzled by S.B's reference to aliphatic glues as "messy", compared to hide glue. I've always found hide glue to be the messiest of glues that I've used. I use both, but the application depends on the practicality of the situation. For instance, if you work in the shop all the time, you have a more practical situation to keep a hide glue pot in operation. I usually use Titebond(aliphatic resin) for hammer hanging, because my shop stints are often short and interrupted by field work. I don't have any objection to hide glue, but I don't want to have to be continuously keeping track of it when I'm out of the shop most of the time. I've heard arguments both pro and contra vis-a-vis the "brittleness" of hide glue for hammer hanging (by experienced piano technicians). I haven't discovered an overwhelming advantage for either point of view, in my personal experience. I admit that my experience is not profound. I do know that I tend to follow the path of least resistance, and I use the most efficient techniques that I can to achieve a result that I'm happy with. Bob Anderson Tucson, AZ
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