Make Your Own Clear Glue

Finished gelatin glue (left) and a second batch in progress.

For the last few months, I have made multiple batches of glue from gummi bears and grocery-store gelatin and used it to assemble projects that are not chairs.

Why not chairs? Years ago, I had a chair experience glue failure. The rear leg of a three-legged walnut backstool came completely apart. The sitter was thrown to the floor, and he was thankfully unhurt. But that moment scarred me.

That was the last project I ever used Titebond’s hide glue on. Yes, it was a fresh bottle. Yes, unexpired. Kept in a cool, dry place (e.g. not my butt). I had used the product for many years before with no problem. And then – 100 percent glue failure.

I assume it was a bad batch that escaped the factory. Titebond is a solid company. I’ve toured its facility and I know – by name – many of the principals.

But …