Hello John, 

I will be sending a check out to you next week along with a print 
out of the materials and costs you suggest.  Is there a special glue that I 
need to buy, or can I use a hot glue gun? (something I already have)  

Thanks
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Hi, 

Well, the proper glue for all bellows work is hot 'hide glue'. 
It's cheap and easy to use but requires a double-boiler to make 
up each batch.

The glue starts as glue crystals. It's mixed 1:1 with hot water 
(exactly 145 degrees) until completely dissolved. Then it's applied 
with an appropriately sized brush while still hot. There is a fancy, 
rather expensive temperature controlled hot glue pot for $140.00, 
but a small double-boiler works fine. The trick is not to overheat 
the glue. That will break down the proteins and reduce the quality 
of the glue. It's $0.50 for two cups, more than you'll need. Much 
like hot glue, hide glue doesn't require clamps. It sets up in a 
minute and is workable in about ten minutes. It does need 12-24 
hours to harden.

Now, I won't say a 'hot glue' gun won't work. There are certain 
jobs in bellow building where the glue gun works better. But 
there are precautions and techniques required to insure a good 
job the first time, since you rarely get two chances with hot 
glue. The primary problem is getting a good bond between the 
cloth and the glue. The glue bonds fine to the wood. Speedy 
glue application, quick compression of the glue bead and a 
certainty that the bead has been spread evenly across the width 
and length of the wood are the keys to a solid air-tight bond. 
An iron can also be used (sparingly) to reheat and spread the 
bead if it sets to fast to get a good 'Squeeze'. The bond is 
easily tested by trying to pull the cloth away from the wood 
after it has cooled. A medium setting/dry will be hot enough. 
Cotton is too high. 

Last word of advice, then I'll be off. I can't over emphasize 
the importance of real-time testing of any procedure before 
you tackle the job for real.

Awaiting your order, 

John A. Tuttle
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