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Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2016 10:20 pm
by Fly_by
I'm a first time builder who took a long while to decide but finally convinced myself I could build a guitar. I lurked on this site and others, bought "Complete Guide to Building Kit Acoustic Guitars", did some research on the choices, and finally took the plunge - bought a StewMac 000 kit. I stared at it for months but recently completed my first real task which was to glue the tail block. And....

It looks terrible because it isn't perfectly aligned top and bottom on both sides. Now I'm combing the archives trying to figure out how to un-glue it. An inauspicious beginning if ever there was one -

I'm sure I'll be asking for direct help before long so thanks in advance - and if anyone has any recommendations on how to feel less intimidated, I'm all ears.

Thanks -
Andrew Copeland

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 8:42 am
by John J
What kind of glue? A picture or two helps us see what's going on. And mistakes are part of the process.

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 8:55 am
by tippie53
if you used a typical wood glue , separating this isn't that difficult. You need a flexible putty knife or an icing knife. A cloths iron . A little patience.

Set the iron on DRY heat and let warm up. Be be careful of sharp corners of the knife. I buffed mine so the are not sharp.
Apply heat. Keep the iron moving over the area. No need to use water. In a few minutes the heat will penetrate the wood. As the glue heats up it will soften. So give it about 2 min the test the joint at the corner. DON"T FORCE IT. Apply about as much pressure as you would digging out ice cream. Firm but not aggressive. As the heat breaks the bond of the glue you will feel the knife working in. DON"T WEDGE THE KNIFE. Think separator not splitter. Keep the knife as flat as you can and just keep working it in. Hearing squeaking noise is normal. This should take about 5 min or so. Don't rush. Let us know and as I said keep the knife flat and work across the grain with as even pressure as you can

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 12:16 pm
by Fly_by
Thanks for encouragement and advice on the steps. I feel better already. I used Titebond - which was recommended by the local woodworking shop. I've located an old iron (in the Goodwill bag); have to clean the face first then I'll have at it...

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 1:03 pm
by Fly_by
Here are a couple of pictures...not sure they are attached?

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 6:40 pm
by MaineGeezer
You should be fine. Basic Titebond (not the souped-up versions) should respond to the heat and separate without too much fuss.

As John J said, mistakes are part of the process. I'm building my 3rd guitar now, and on all of them I went through a period when I was ready use the thing for kindling in the fireplace. If it was easy, it wouldn't be any fun. ;-)

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 9:10 am
by Fly_by
Got the block un-glued - and it was less than painful that I feared. Now I am trying to clean up the old glue. Using a hair dryer and scraping doesn't seem to be get all of it. Other suggestions?

Thanks -

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:33 pm
by tippie53
sanding

Re: Intro - and already in trouble

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:45 pm
by MaineGeezer
Paint stripper -- the lethal variety, not the non-toxic bidegradable safe stuff.