Official Luthiers Forum!

Extend will steam apart almost exactly like Original. If only heat is being employed to release the bond, it could take a little more effort... But as you get the glueline past 200°F, strength drops off rapidly. Blowtorches, chisels, and other implements of destruction could also suffice. However, hot spatulas and steam may prevent the cure from being worse than the disease.

Freeman:- I don't know what glue was used but it came apart relatively easily, using heat (I made a heating iron like the one StewMac sell) and a thin artist's palette knife. Having said that, there didn't appear to be an awful lot of glue holding it on anyway. I think a combination of this and the inadequate bridge plate (see earlier comments) contributed to the original failure.

Anybody:- As for the glueline, is it not the case that even if you ladled the glue on, once clamping pressure was applied the glue would just squeeze out anyway leaving only the necessary amount of glue? Or is it best to start off with only a thin glueline?

Thanks for all the comments so far, it's an education.

Thin gluelines are the result of
-parts which fit together perfectly
-adequate clamping pressure

Thanks Jeff. So obvious when you see it spelt out........

Joe:- I did as you mentioned and clamped a caul across the top of the guitar and it's worked a treat - I now have an almost flat top which looks just right.

Anyone have any suggestions ref. wood tear out after bridge removal? I tried making a paste of glue and wood dust but that wasn't too successful. (Is that even an acceptable procedure?) I can almost feel the cringing from here...............