How to unglue?

[roimatt]

Hi, how to unglue? calling from England. i have a coffin shaped wooden box that has a wooden skirt glued around the bottom edge. i want to lower the height by removing the 4 inch skirt.tried hammering with cold chisel to prise apart but no go. any suggestions other than dynamite? Roi

[Mr T]

What did your victim loose enough weight that you need a smaller coffin now? :evil2:

Any type of solvent on the glue or steam will raise your grain if its unfinished wood, or can stain your piece. Are you sure there are no fasteners, nails, screws, biscuits, or joints strengthening it?

I would not use a chisel and hammer. Glue and jointry is designed to create a joint stronger then the material itself.. If it's done right, something is going to give before your joint does.. could be wood you dont want to remove.

Best bet would be to cut as close as you can. Sabre saws or such with a flexible blade can cut pretty close. If you get the angle right it the blade will glide along the bottom of the box without digging in. It will scuff it up though. If the surface needs saved, cut about 1/8" from the surface and use hand tools such as a plane to bring it to flush. You can use a belt sander, but if it's pine (traditional coffin), it's gonna eat through it very quickly. A router can also be used.

Post pics if you got any other questions.