I’ve read so much about the advantages of Hide Glue over the years – inlcuding how it is great to be able to dismantle pieces for repair if necessary.
I’m tring to remove some wooden knobs securely glued on drawer fronts with hide glue so I can refinish the badly damaged piece of furniture. Tried pouring not water around the knob area, heating with paint removal heat- gun, and steaming above an electric kettle – all to no avail. I presume the knobs have shafts fitting into holes in the drawer fronts that are the problem.
I’d appreciate any ideas on how to remove the knobs?
Thanks, Pierre.
Replies
The parts won't just drop free, you'll have to twist and pull as you apply heat. Heat guns often work well, keep the temp low so not to burn and work the part back and forth. Will the piece fit in the oven? Most glues respond to heat, hide glue isn't neccessarily any easier than others. Other times, its too easy. Don't use steam, it may swell the part tighter.
Thanks hammer1.
I was a bit scared to heat the drawer fronts too much with the heat gun and end up with splits. Don't really want to put drawers in an oven as the dovetail joints would be affected too.
Pieere,
If the knobs' posts extend thru the drawer fronts, be sure and apply hot water/steam from the backsides as well.
Also, some old knobs have threaded wooden posts-try twisting counter-clockwise (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey)--they may not be glued at all, and moisture will only cause them to swell and become tighter...
Ray
Thanks Ray. Unfortunately the posts don't protrude to the inside face of the drawer fronts, and I'm pretty sure they aren't threaded - the piece is early 1950's, and that sort of thing was not done downunder here in Kiwiland at that period. Thought of drilling holes from the back face of drawer to meet the posts though - might try one out - and get hot water in to the joint that way. Else I'd better brush up on turning new knobs - and cut the old ones off and then replace them once drawer faces are cleaned off and re-finished.
Another small access hole might be possible from the bottom of the drawer front, and be less noticeable afterwards? Just a thought. One fellow I know claims a sharp rap with a hammer will break a hide glue joint. If I remember correctly, he will leave the object firmly on the workbench when striking it - the object is not to separate the two with a sudden blow, rather simply to impart a brief sudden shock. I've not tried it.
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