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Whats the best method for getting hide glue unglued?

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

The same thing it takes to get it to liquid in the first place. Heat! :) Let
us know if you need some more specific help...

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Heat first and it should wiggle its way free. Make sure you insulate the surrounding surfaces from unwanted heat. Depending on the joint, a LITTLE moisture may help. John Hall also recommended the dental floss method...work some floss between the joint to get some separation. Hide glue is one of the easier glues to release.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Is a standard clothing iron sufficient or do I need a heat gun? Does any water need to be introduced to the joint?

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

What are you trying to take apart? a cloth iron is plenty hot, but in some cases, like a bridge, it just isn't the right shape...

If the joint is really good, heat alone will not release it. If you take your dry hide glue and drop some in a dry, hot frying pan, they scorch, but will not melt. There needs to be some moisture.

Try to introduce some moisture, and it will go a long ways toward making it release easily. Doesn't take a lot, but it needs some. Some say that plain white vinegar helps break the bond, but I haven't tried that.

When I released my bridge last time, I just put a damp rag on the bridge and used my clothing iron. The steam that was created from the rag seeped into the bridge pin holes and it released fairly easy while using a thin spackle blade to get under it. We can talk Thurs J.
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