Replies

1. 
   ToolDoc | Nov 15, 2002 08:22pm | #1

   Bill: Yep use a 8lb sledge instead of a 12lb one LOL... Just take your time and be as careful as you can while taking it apart..

                                                                        ToolDoc

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 16, 2002 01:35am | #2

   You could always set it over a heater vent for a week or two.  Get in some good expansion and contraction cycles!  There are some small pry bars out there that work pretty well on furniture -- I think one's called a cat's claw.  I sometimes use a tack remover  for small stuff (look around where the screwdrivers and stuff are at the hardware store, handle's like a screwdriver, but the thinnish tip is curved and split). 

   Your best leverage is going to be with the legs.  Try turning it upside down, get your kids or a large dog (or horse, LOL) to sit on one end, and push/pull/rack the legs on the other end to get some loosening started.  A rubber mallet would be handy too.  If you get a weak joint, you can knock it apart without causing too much damage.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

   
   

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   Edited 11/15/2002 5:38:54 PM ET by forest_girl

3. 
   RW | Nov 16, 2002 01:48am | #3

   white vinegar softens PVA glues.

   If all else fails (you can't re-use the joints anyway) take a small blade on a jigsaw and cut it apart.

4. 
   IainEdwards | Nov 16, 2002 02:16am | #4

   You might be lucky, in that an 'animal' glue was used in its original construction....that being the case the application of heat to the joints is a valid approach ... a hair dryer will generally work albeit time consuming....once good and warm/hot... gently expand the joint.

   It'll take you a bunch of time, she'll hate you for stealing the dryer, you'll argue the value of you're action...and as always lose....at which point you'll be totally justified in taking the hammer to the desk....and ya know what it'll feel great and still generate the wood you need.....have fun regards   Iain