shelf life of Titebond III glue........

[Odie]

The following is taken from the Titebond web site:

What is the shelf life of Titebond Wood Glues?

Our literature states the shelf life of all of our glues as one year. Titebond Liquid Hide Glue includes an expiration date on the bottle, because it can progressively lose its ability to dry hard, and this change is not visually obvious. Titebond Polyurethane Glue has a one-year shelf life in an unopened container, but is useable as long as the glue remains fluid. Polyurethanes, however, are designed to react when exposed to moisture. Sometimes, they begin to cure, and solidify, after the bottle has been opened. Most of our yellow and white glues, including Titebond Original and Titebond II, remain usable beyond two years. Should Titebond Original become thick and stringy, or Titebond II turn into an orange-colored gel, these changes signify that the glue is no longer usable. The minimum shelf life of Titebond III is stated as one year. When stored appropriately at room temperature, Titebond III is expected to last beyond its stated shelf life. If thickened, shake vigorously by firmly tapping bottle on a hard surface until product is restored to original form.

I replaced a bottle of Titebond III glue a few days ago. It was at least three years old, and stored above freezing. (I had a bottle of Titebond freeze about ten years ago, and that was the end of that bottle......stiffened.)

The Titebond III glue had noticeably thickened some, but was still fluid and bonded well. This winter, I noticed that it had become lumpy, and it was time to replace it. It was still bonding well, but I couldn't take the chance of one of my waste blocks coming off while turning.

It might be best to replace the bottle every year, or maybe two......what does everyone else do?

ooc

 

[Bill Boehme]

I used to buy glue in large quantities when I did a lot of flat woodworking. When I got hooked on turning, my other woodworking sort of went dormant. Not too long ago, I went through some of my cabinets to throw away stuff like glue and finishes that were way out of date. I couldn't believe how much glue I had that was never used. There were at least four big bottles of unused hide glue that were at least six years old as well as quart size bottles of regular Titebond and Titebolnd II, along with several bottles of Titebond III and various brands of polyurethane glue. A lot of money wasted. Now, I only buy the smallest size bottles. It is not being economical to buy large bottles if it winds up being discarded. I won't even bother saying how much finish I sent to the hazardous waste center.

 

[MichaelMouse]

I buy in pint sizes. There have been a couple of times I had to forgo a glueup session because I used up the bottle, but I figure it's better than tossing quarter bottles. They seem to age faster, just like finishes, when there's more air in the bottle.

Sometimes even a pint's too much. Anyone for a half-pint of melamine glue three years young? Great stuff, by the way. Will hold to the melamine, and has the strangest sort of feel and peel if you get it on your hands.

I'm sort of mystified by "sell by" or "best if used by" statements. Is it really a drop dead date, or what? Yes, there is a date on sour cream....

 

[john lucas]

Since I still do segmented work and other glue ups for turning I still use a fair amount of glue. I also use the pint bottles but I try to remember to buy another one before the first one runs out. Fortunately I have a hardware store 1 mile from my house so it's easy to get, except after 2 on Saturday and Sundays.
I can't buy the liquid hide glue anywhere in town now. Bummer. It was handy at times although I did end up tossing it before I used it up each time.
Are the "used by" dates anygood. On milk, sort of. I've had a couple of bowls of cereal every now and then where the milk was starting to taste funny. I look on the container and it's about a week past the date. I don't like cheese and I've always wondered how do you tell if cheese is out of date. Our old DJ who just retired used to say When the yellow cheese starts to look and feel like a Tonka toy truck it's time to toss it.

 

[Edward Weber]

I buy it in a gallon jug when it's on sale and simply refill the pint squeeze bottle. I usually don't have much left when it's starting to lump up. It works out cheaper in the long run even if you have to toss a bit, buying the pint and quart bottles can be expensive. I do store it in a climate controlled area.

 

[John Torchick]

I have a bottle of TBIII that is well over two years old and still good. I buy it in the 16 oz bottles.

 

[robo hippy]

Old finish and glues work pretty good for end grain sealers if you can spread it on. Thinning finishes down helps it to go on some times. Same with the glues, though never messed with hide glue.

robo hippy

 

[MichaelMouse]

I don't like cheese and I've always wondered how do you tell if cheese is out of date. Our old DJ who just retired used to say When the yellow cheese starts to look and feel like a Tonka toy truck it's time to toss it.

The Odd Couple
"I have Brown sandwiches and green sandwiches."

"What are the green sandwiches?"

"Very young cheese or very old meat. "

 

[Bill Boehme]

Does limburger cheese come with a "use AFTER" date?

 

[John Beaver]

I buy it by the gallon, and pour it into smaller containers. You can usually see when it starts to go bad. I live in a very mild climate and usually use it up before it goes bad.