A little Help? Glueing sides

[Darryl Young]

Sun, that gap isn't an issue as long as the top of the rim (where it joins to the soundboard) is level. Lay the rim on a level surface and see it is level all the way around. If it is you are fine. The neck will cover that gap and you will probably have binding that goes around the perimeter of the back so no gap will show between the heel of the neck and the back.

So the question is, is the rim flat that will attach to the soundboard? Let us know.

[Jim_H]

The most important thing is, is the 'top' surface flat. If you lay it down on a flat bench or countertop, face down, are there any gaps?

[Sunflash]

Thanks, for all the help.
I've started taking it off, from all the info I got that was the best thing to do.
A little question on the iron though... I'd rather not burn my wood so do I need a piece of cloth on there as well? and then is there anywhere on the forums that talks about taking off glue this way?
Haven't really looked so I'll be doing that now, but any info would help.
Thanks again.

[Jim_H]

You don't need enough heat to burn the wood. Just enough to soften the glue. You have to apply heat and give enough time to penetrate to the joint and the glue to soften. I dunno what the exact temperature is, but it's much lower than wood burning.

Once the glue starts to soften, you can begin to wedge a putty knife into the joint. You'll want to remove any meanness (sharp points/edges) from the putty knife, so you don't damage the wood.

If you are patient and careful you shouldn't have any trouble debonding this joint.

Once you get it apart, use deglue-goo to remove the glue residue from the mating surfaces. You can get it at most craft stores like Micheals or Hobby Lobby. I tink Woodcraft and Rockler might carry it as well. I've not seen it at the box stores though.

[kencierp]

There is/was no need to take that apart its a non-issue structurally and appearance wise.

What information did you get that indicated it was the best thing to do? Whats to be gained quality wise --- one cannot expect to repair quality into an item --likely more serious issues and complications will arise.

[Sunflash]

Well kencierp, I can see what you are saying... but It would be an issue (at lest for me.)
I know by taking the glue off I'm risking the quality of the wood, but I would rather I do it right.
Also because of the way the split is, instead of the top of my guitar being flat like this ____ it's \/, obviously this is larger then it actually is but it brings both the front and back out of alinement.

[kencierp]

As you progress through the Stew Mac instructions you will find that you need to sand both the top and the back edges of the rim to get the correct tapers and contours -- yes your illustration is exaggerated -- using a large sanding stick to get the edges level (on average) is a necessary standard practice and needs to be done regardless if you disassemble and re-join the halves or not. --- if you check through archives of this forum you'll find that you are not the first one to have this little mismatch. Its your project -- for sure detailed craftsmanship is a good thing, just trying to save you what is in my view and experience an unnecessary headache.

[deadedith]

Sunflash - listen to the man!! :-) In the long run, listening to experience will save you many a headache and result in better looking and sounding instruments.
Just sayin' - I've been there.
Best of luck to you!
Dave

[Sunflash]

Thanks all again, the glue came apart with out any problems. I did get a little crack in the wood but it's inside of what i will cut out for the neck.
kencierp, thanks for the info. I did go look ahead and read about the sanding stick later on, and I could have gone without taking the glue off. unfortunately it wasn't until after I started that I saw your first post.

Also, I have a blog on building my guitar. Is there a place on the forum that I could post the site? or is that even allowed? I didn't see anything pertaining to that in the FAQ's.

[darren]

Also, I have a blog on building my guitar. Is there a place on the forum that I could post the site? or is that even allowed? I didn't see anything pertaining to that in the FAQ's.

Sure can. Put the link in your signature, it will be on every one of your posts then.