I have been given the task of fixing a shaker style childrens rocker that was improperly put together. It was being assembled and glued without a good dry fit before glue up. It appears to be made from Ash but I am not sure of the species and common wood glue was used. My question is.. Does anyone know of a good way to seperate the joints etc. and clean this material so that I can repair it?
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Check and see if the joints are also pined with nail, if they are you could be in for some fun talking from experience. I would also recommend that you post this message on the Knots. Someone there should have some more knowledge as to how to go around this type of repair.
Personally I would take my time and not dissemble anything more than I have to. If you already have a joint or two apart I would check to see if water or something else would loosen the glue. The last kitchen set I refinished, I had the chairs dipped to remove the paint. After the paint removal the joints just about fell apart.
If the assembl;y was by a hack, then he probably used plain yellow glue. Soak it in water and it shoul;d soften. Thisd will definately raise the grain of the wood, so some refinishing will be required.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Like Abe said, look for brads or nails thru those joints.
Not sure what glue was used, but if it was a white glue or a hide glue, then hot water should dissolve it. Then tap it apart with a ruber mallet or similar. The water may or may not cause damage to the finish. Depends on the finish.
If yellow glue was used, water won't cut it. Repeated applications of acetone should soften it sufficiently to tap it apart. Again, the finish is in potential danger.
If there are any wedged joints (you'll likely see the end of the wedge like in a hammer handle), you're gonna have a fun time.
I agree with the water suggestions, but I would try water in conjuction with heat - maybe from a blow dryer or heat gun. If you have a besey clamp, try reversing the ends to make a spreader. This should work for white, yellow or hide glues.
Rich Knab
People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit.
When I had my shop going I fixed a bunch of chairs, (more than 100) some were junk, some pinned with brads, some nailed, glued, etc. Practically everyone of them come apart with a sharp wrap of a leather hammer (not rubber). I apply force between the legs and rap it apart...........the only kind that won't give are the old time wedged ones...........still the best way to join chair legs IMO
Water and wood?.............asking for a bunch of trouble IMO
White vinegar will soften the glue joints
Like someone else said, ask Knots. Hot water should work. A little vinegar in it will help soften carpenters glue (don't know if it will soften yellow glue). Have also heard of injecting hot water into the joint. A reverse clamp might work, but blows with wood or leather covered or rubber mallet is probably better--sharp force seems to work better than continuous.