Unglue an ebony fingerboard?
Does anyone know how to unglue a fingerboar from the neck? I reed from an article using lukewarm water mixed with vinegar will dissolve the glue. Is there a better, faster and less damaging way to achieve the same result?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Erin Shrader on -
Well, if it's glued on with hide glue, that's water soluble. Hot water, a thin pallete knife or spatula, some patience. But if it's not hide glue, you'll have to figure out what the adhesive is. Try asking Jim McKean, who writes the cello-making blog. Why do you need to remove the fingerboard?
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Permalink Reply by Reynolds Rolles on -
Erin, thanks for your help. I am putting new varnish on an old violon and I do not want to miss that area. Well, I will have to find another way. Whoever did the job many years ago was not a luthier. I decided not to touch it. Sound is was important not the look.Thanks again
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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Holmes on -
If it's hide glue, it should be possible to remove it with an opening knife (thin spatula) staring at one end of the board. Hide glue has a strong grip, but "snaps" like glass when the bond is disturbed. If it's stubborn, a small (did I say small... yes, small) amount of alcohol applied with a syringe to the leading edge of the joint as it opens will dehydrate the glue ahead of the opening knife. Give this time to work... Unless the glue is not hide glue, I'd avoid water/vinegar/etc., as these will soften the wood (especially the maple) and make it into a rather messy job...
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Permalink Reply by Reynolds Rolles on
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Thanks for the tip. I did not know water and vinegar could damage maple. Thanks again, let keep in touch.
Jeffrey Holmes said:If it's hide glue, it should be possible to remove it with an opening knife (thin spatula) staring at one end of the board. Hide glue has a strong grip, but "snaps" like glass when the bond is disturbed. If it's stubborn, a small (did I say small... yes, small) amount of alcohol applied with a syringe to the leading edge of the joint as it opens will dehydrate the glue ahead of the opening knife. Give this time to work... Unless the glue is not hide glue, I'd avoid water/vinegar/etc., as these will soften the wood (especially the maple) and make it into a rather messy job...
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