how do you guys remove the top or bottom of a fiddle/violin.
one way is hot water and a old knife from a set.
the violin that I have is modern cheapy so this might not work on new type of glue.
I don't want to end up cutting my thumb again!
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I've taken off guitar backs before. I made a steamer from an old pressure cooker and some aquarium hose. Then I used a palette knife, which is thin and flexible, and not sharp, to gradually open the joint. I doubt if the guitars I was working on used hide glue.
I just googled on this a bit and some people also use a cappucino maker with a hose or a Shark steamer.
Put some vinegar in a syringe and stab and squirt all around and the glue will loosen.
Hi, lurked here for a while now and then, saw this so I joined to offer my two coppers.
I've used one of these and a putty knife to remove a fretboard before:
[url=http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunbeam-Travel-Iron-GCSBTR-100-000/21810207]http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunbeam-Travel-Iron-GCSBTR-100-000/21810207[/url]
Some even have steam pulse which is a plus.
Some interesting info on wood glues and luthiery:
[url=http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Data/Materials/GlueTest/gluetest.html]http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Data/Materials/GlueTest/glu...[/url]
Oh, and I can sympathize with you, my left thumb is just now starting to heal up after jabbing it with a putty knife removing a fretboard temp mounted to the neck with double sided tape 3 wks ago. I remember thinking right before it happened, "man your going to"... Didn't do quite as thorough a job as you did though, must have really ruined your day.
Heat and moist is what solves the hide glue. Steam is a good tool but just water and a hot blade will do the job. What you want is a THIN blunt blade that you heat up and try to squese into the joint with some water. If tou have a Sharp blade there´s a risk that you damage the Wood and the joining surfaces (or fingers!). It takes time and you need to work slowly. Patience is important! Google on some violin luthier pages! I guess there´s lots of info there. Ive only done this once so I´m not an expert.
Hide Glue softens with heat, so maybe a hairdryer?
that cut was done just before xmas last year.
it has healed up now with just a scare.
but it still hurt from time to time.
my thumb is not as flexible as it once was.
I plit the other violin with this tool on the right of the picture.
I was pushing to tool towards my hand and it slipped.
why I chose to do this god only knows.
I went against my better judgement.
always work away from you when using tools
John I was thinking you were a "stone cold cowboy" jumping back in there with stitches in your thumb trying to get that violin top off. You were going to be my new hero.Since you are across the pond you can't get a purple heart. I hate it when that happens.( ;-D) I know it sounds good in safety class not to cut toward yourself, but ultimately not always can be done.Maim thing is strain. If you are under a strain your tool is dull or you are trying to do too much at one time.IMHO
you are across the pond you can't get a purple heart!
wats wong wiv postin it!!
Might be an old knife,but it still does what it is supposed to do. Ouch! I am with the rest on the water Drizzle hot tap water on seam. Let it sit a few minutes and try to find a weak spot to get it separation started. Finish material will keep water from getting to glue. Take the point of your old buddy to make a line at the joint before you apply the water.
All I can offer is sympathy, sorry.
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