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I am curious if it is neccessary to pull the frets from the finger board , before heating to separate the fingerboard from the top for a neck removal? i am planning to use a clothes iron for the heat source, with protection for the top . thanks Jody

Leave 'em in. The heat from the iron may loosen some of them. You can address this when you re assemble the guitar. A clothes iron will hang over the edges of the fingerboard. Take precaution to keep from damaging the finish on the top.

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You can also damage the finish along the fretboard edge by using an iron (overhang). Depends on the finish type but usually the finish will bubble and you'll have to repair the finish on the neck.

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Thanks I appreciate all the replies, Todd where do you find the 1/4" stock and how would you slot it ? thanks Jody

Jody: Have had good success using a heat lamp. Find it gets an even heat to the wood and easy to control by varying distance. Use suitable insulation for areas you don't want to heat.
Tom

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Thanks. I originally bought some heat lamps.. seems a bit primitive though.I am trying it on an old yamaha first then I need to pull the neck on my third build,, the learning process continues ! LOL thanks again everyone Jody