*
I am looking for ideas on how to soften wood glue. I have oak dining chairs. Legs have been glued, pinned, and clamped. They need to come apart and be re-done.(Long story so don’t ask why)I know that carpenter’s glue is harder than nails when it’s set and have accepted the fact that this ain’t gonna’ be easy. Any thoughts?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

A sealed roof deck, strengthened edges, and wind-resistant materials help a Fortified asphalt-shingle roof stand up to heavy rain and high wind.
Featured Video
Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With ViewrailRelated Stories
Highlights
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
*
I am looking for ideas on how to soften wood glue. I have oak dining chairs. Legs have been glued, pinned, and clamped. They need to come apart and be re-done.(Long story so don't ask why)I know that carpenter's glue is harder than nails when it's set and have accepted the fact that this ain't gonna' be easy. Any thoughts?
*
If you've used aliphatic resin (yellow glue), you can take it apart with heat and/or steam. I've seen rigs made from a steam kettle that direct the steam through a reinforced tube capped with a needle valve - the type used to inflate soccer or basketballs. Steam works for white glue and hide glues as well, I think.