One more post on hot hide glue.  I'm not a professional restorer, nor
an "expert", but I have evolved to using hide glue in my player piano
restorations.  So when I had to redo the canvas on the back of the roll
cover for a couple of roll-top desks, I used hot glue.

With the slats aligned correctly on a work table, I applied the hot
glue to the slats, one at a time.  After placing the canvas, I hit the
back with an iron to help flow and melt the glue.  It sets up, of
course, quite rapidly.  The whole job is done in an hour or two, and
it's ready to go.  I can't imagine doing the job with a slower setting
glue.

Ray Fairfield