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[risto]

Is it animal glue that was most commonly used in the old days to glue box parts? I'm asking this as I need to make a new 'base veneer' for my old Erika on the treble side. If it is animal glue should it soften with heat?

[Theo]

Is it animal glue that was most commonly used in the old days to glue box parts? I'm asking this as I need to make a new 'base veneer' for my old Erika on the treble side. If it is animal glue should it soften with heat?

"base veneer"?   Well whatever, to answer  the question.  To soften animal glue you really need water, and enough time for the water to penetrate.  Heat can speed up the process.  How you do it depends how deep in the joint the glue is located.  Sometimes a brief spray of water to damp the surafce,  or cover the joint with wet paper, or if its a deep joint drill a small hole into the joint and force water into the hole.  If it needs more than a minute or two, then cover the whole area with something waterproof, eg cling film to stop the water from evaporating.

[risto]

"base veneer"? Couldn't thing of a proper word, I mean the main plate on which the reed blocks are attached onto.

So basically I want to dissasemble the whole treble side of the Erika. I know quitar decks can be taken off without distroying the other parts. I just wonder if they can use water?

[Theo]

That part is usually referred to as the soundboard.

Well I start this by removing all the keyboard, action etc.  Slide off the 4 metal corner pieces, then with a bit of gentle tapping with a light hammer and a block of scrap wood to protect the surface you usually find that some  of the joints come apart quite easily.  Then for the ones that are still tight, brush or spray water along all the joint edges.  Place the whole thing in a plastic bag and leave it for a few hours, then repeat the process.

[risto]

Thanks, I'll give this a try.

[risto]

I couldn't get the water 'trick' quite work, besides I'm afraid it damages the old dry wood as it seems very eagar to absorbe the moisture. I heard of a furniture repair recipe to remove old glue with a mixture of white vinegar with hot water. Anybody know more about this?