Acoustic Guitar Construction

Is a heat gun or hair dryer an acceptable method for loosening the glue. What about using steam from an iron? Will this more likely cause warping? I read about this at the Titebond site. http://www.titebond.com/frequently_asked_questions.aspx

Jay

I've used a hot "flat" iron, full and hobby size and a hot putty knife to successfully remove, end and tail blocks, bridge plates, headstock veneer and finger-boards I do not know whether or not a blower will work, I've read horror stories about burning the wood with the shrink tube heat guns (they do get red hot!) $.02

I'd try a heat gun.

Hey Jay,
Just a word of encouragement.
You can get this done. Most of us have had to undo a bad glue up on end blocks. Use a well rung out towel and turn your wife's iron up high and put that iron on the side over the the towel and let it get steamy. After a few minutes, yes it will take a few minutes, start to work a fine edged putty knife into the joint, as the glue softens you will find it will start to separate, and before you know it, your sides will pop loose.
Don't use a heat gun...too hot.

Kevin

Finally got the joint separated with some guidance from Ken. Once I heated the joint enough the job went more quickly. Still have to glue the horizonal cracks and clean up the glue... that's another day!


Jay Lynch

Kevininca wrote:Hey Jay,
Just a word of encouragement.
You can get this done. Most of us have had to undo a bad glue up on end blocks. Use a well rung out towel and turn your wife's iron up high and put that iron on the side over the the towel and let it get steamy. After a few minutes, yes it will take a few minutes, start to work a fine edged putty knife into the joint, as the glue softens you will find it will start to separate, and before you know it, your sides will pop loose.
Don't use a heat gun...too hot.

Kevin

Kevin - Thanks for the info. It took me a little while to figure out that the iron had to be held in place for more than a minute or so but finally got it done.

Jay

Good to hear Jay. It becomes good to know that you can reverese a joint and make it better when necessary.
Carry on!

Kevin