Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Oct 31, 2004 02:53am | #1

   Steve,

   If the joint is tight, then you may have to drill a very small hole or two in an inconspicuous place, to allow you to inject warm/hot water into the joint. I use a glue syringe for this. I will take a few applications before the glue gives. I have heard ( but not tried) that injecting vinegar or denatured alcohol into a joint will also work.

   Rob Millard

1. 
   sdw1 | Nov 01, 2004 06:17pm | #3

   Thanks Rod - You are on the same track as I am.  I've injected hot water and have spreader clamps on the joint but so far no luck.  I'm going to try some more water.  My concern is that this joint was repaired in the past with PVA or something other than hide glue.  So... I'll just have to keep trying.

2. 
   joinerswork | Nov 01, 2004 01:59am | #2

   Steve,

   Like Rob,  I'd suggest getting some hot water into the joint.  But first, have you tried hitting the joint a sharp blow to try to loosen it?  Often an old hide glue joint is brittle enough that a smart lick will break the bond.  Be careful that you don't break the wood! Even hitting the outside of the joint, as if you are trying to drive it more tightly together, will sometimes break the bond.

   Alcohol is supposed to crystallise the glue, making it weaker, and easy to break loose.  I  just use hot water, and keep wiggling the two pieces you are trying to separate.

1. 
   sdw1 | Nov 01, 2004 06:21pm | #4

   Thanks joinerswork - As I told Rob, we're on the same track.  So far no luck in getting the joint loose.  Fortunately I have time to let things work.  I have tried some sharp dead blow hammering on the frame but have been cautious about too hard a hit.  Your idea to try to drive the joint together is a good thought.  I'll have to give it a try.

3. 
   mike4244 | Nov 01, 2004 11:53pm | #5

   I just did this on a chair. I used a steamer, looks like a tea kettle. Worked fine. Try jury rigging a tea kettle and a hose, wear heavy glove to hold hose end.Took about 2 minutes of steaming to undo each joint.

   mike

1. 
   sdw1 | Nov 03, 2004 07:45pm | #6

   Thanks Mike - I'll give it a try.  I still have a joint that doesn't seem to want to come apart.  One side is free - possibly a loose fit on the mortise, but the other is glued tight.

1. 
   walnut | Nov 03, 2004 10:14pm | #7

   Warm vinegar works the best for me. I brush it on with a little acid brush and keep it we for as long as it takes. Work the joint back and forth a little and capillary action will help it along. PVA is another story and stem and heat are the only things I know of.

1. 
   sdw1 | Nov 03, 2004 11:05pm | #9

   Thanks to all for your help!

4. 
   Crunk | Nov 03, 2004 10:23pm | #8

   I'd say that there is a strong chance the stubborn joint has been previously repaired with a glue other than hide glue.

   I think you are about to discover that repairing furniture is as tough, or tougher, than building it from scratch.

   
   

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   Edited 11/3/2004 3:40 pm ET by BossCrunk