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Hot hide glue often does not require and clamping for non stress joints like repair patches. Is there any consensus as to clamping time for joints like braces or top and back center seam joining? I've just started to play with HHG after 40 years of using Titebond.---Bob

I've always clamped hhg joints for a minimum of 12h. I don't have volumes of experience, but I have used it exclusively for lute making since 1979. I always let the joint cure for 24h before stress. You're right about non-stressed joints -- a little rubbing until it grabs and no clamping needed. For guitar bridges and braces I've been going 18h, easy to do since I'm not on a production schedule.

I can say that Martin only clamped tops for 45 minutes. I like to let mine set overnight. I agree less stressed joints won't need as much clamping but a brace in a radius dish would be stressed.

I'd figure a minimum of 6-8 hours clamping on a stressed joint. Based on my limited experience with hide glue, there seems to be two phases to its setting up. The first is when it cools off. That happens pretty quickly, and it becomes sort of rubbery. The second is when it dries out, and that takes a while. 6-8 hours is probably optimistic. 12-24 would be better.

the longer the better for sure

Thanks folks!--Bob