Advice Needed On Removing Top Put On With "White" Glue

[GMBass1]

Hello all, anyone have advice on removing a top that was put on w/ "white" glue? I've heard white vinegar will soften the glue somewhat. I'm wondering, is there a more effective compound to break down the glue. I have a very thin, un-beveled pallet knife that I got at an art supply store. I've been able to get in a few spots and work it around a little. Heating it seems to help. Thanks everyone.
Geoff

[Andrew McGregor]

White glue softens with acetic acid; that's why vinegar works, but the stronger the acid the more effective it is. It also melts at a fairly low temperature, so a warm knife (you should still be able to hold the blade, so that limits the temperature to about 75°C) will separate it more easily. BTW: I'm not a luthier, this is model airplane repair advice, where white glue is used all the time. Unfortunately, it's hard to get acetic acid out of wood. The smell will go eventually, but it might take a week or two so don't be too generous with the acid.

[DallasStrings]

+1 for the vinegar/heat approach.

Don't worry about vinegar getting soaked in the wood either. Unless you used a ridiculously liberal amount and didn't let it dry out, it won't affect the hide glue used on it later, though I would keep it clamped for a little extra time. Vinegar acts much like urea in hide glue. It keeps it from congealing but won't affect the final bond as long as it isn't too concentrated in the glue.

De Glue Goo is a great product that will help you get the residual white glue off once you have the pieces separated. It's like vinegar with the consistency of hair gel. It stays put on the spot you apply it.

Patience is key here, this won't be an easy task, work slow..

[Martin Sheridan]

The hot spatula by itself should work. Go slow. Be patient.
Reglue with hide glue, the kind you make yourself. Don't use the bottled kind.
Make sure you get off all the old white glue from the top and ribs before regluing.

[Jazzdogg]

I sometimes have to help a student unglue a project assembled in haste; pallet knives and the output of a garment steamer can help.