removing glue

[Ray Ussery]

I have a Martin D-18 reject top. (Didn't know it was a reject when I bought it) but it has "Potato chipped". Not really bad, and I think I can save this thing if I go at it the right way.
It would appear to me that the braces need to be removed, and it needs to be properly re-braced.
It's I believe, a Sitka top, it's really nice..but truth is, I probably should just cut my losses and toss it and buy another, but I thought it would be good practice to remove the current braces and see how it turns out in lieu of a future repair of some sort down the road.

So, what's the proper way to do this? I've been told that De Glue Goo works well and won't stain either braces or the top and will remove hide, white and yellow glues, or soften them enough to remove the glue without gouging the wood. $10.00 a pop for 8 oz. not bad IF it works ?.

What are the OTHER choices? Heat? not sure how I would correctly apply heat to braces or the top without damaging either or both.

Anyway, any help or pointers or suggestions would really be appreciated.

Thanks from a Newbee, Ray :)

[John Parchem]

The De Glue Goo does work to remove glue. I have used it on spruce, cedar and redwood without any staining. I have never felt comfortable leaving it on a brace long enough so that it softens the whole joint. I use a small plane and chisels to take the braces down to almost nothing then I use the de glue goo to soften the joint enough to take the remaining wood off. I have also use heat at this point heating and lifting the remaining very thin brace with a chisel. In that case I use the goo to clean up the residue.

[Jim Hansen]

+1 to Johns suggestion.

My only word of caution is that while DeGlue Goo won't stain, it does soften the wood (i.e. the wood is softer when it's wet), so be careful scraping the glue off once it's softened. Be patient and let it do it's work, then 'gently' remove the glue with a scraper or whatever means you feel comfortable with.

[Ray Ussery]

Thanks a lot Guy's appreciate your reply's will give it a try unless I come up with some magic.

Ray :)

[Tim Benware]

What kind of glue and are you planning on saving the braces to reuse?

[Ray Ussery]

What kind of glue and are you planning on saving the braces to reuse?

it appears to be yellow but it's hard to tell (What ever Martin currently uses on their braces) and yes, I would hope to re-use the braces if they are not damaged.

Ray :)

[hikermike]

Since I live in the northwest, saying it's spruce just brings up the question of why bother, there's spruce all over the place.
Potato chipping should be easily handled by leaving in proper humidity a few days and regluing. If it was hide glue, no sweat,
just add some new hot glue and it will redissolve and hold. PVA or epoxy...maybe a lost cause as you will need to clean it off.
If it's red spruce well then you easterners think it's special so I guess go for it.