I use Barge Cement for a lot of what I do. Sometimes the time between projects is a little long and my garage studio is always close to the temperature of the outside. So if its close to 100 the studio is an oven and when its close to 40 the studio is a tomb. This temperature plays havoc on my glue pot. While I do try to keep it in the best part of the studio the climate still affects glue. When its hot it evaporates off the Toulene (solvent ingredient in Barge) and when its cold the glue is like thick unmanageable molasses.
I usually keep the 1 gallon can here and when I need it I need it. So, in order to work with the temperature changes and the fact that my glue pot its not always air tight I use thinner.
I like to work with Barge that is a little thinner in consistency. If you use and purchase Barge then chances are you can get a can of thinner. I usually use the thinner when the glue is clumping together much like elephant boogers. What I've found is, using the thinner can make my glue last a lot longer. Which these days is good on the pocket.
I pour the thinner directly in the glue pot and use a plastic spoon ( stirring utensil is up to u, I used one my wife wouldn't miss.). Stir the glue and pull the spoon out to see the glue drip off. I like it thinner so i like to see a spoonful drip off fairly quick. Once you reach the desired consistency keep stirring for the solvent to mix with the glue. This usually takes about 10 minutes or so to be through.
********Because Barge and the Thinner are Solvent based items, PLEASE ALWAYS do this in a WELL VENTILATED space. Your brain will thank you later**************