Technical problem scabbard

Shakethetrees · 3rd March 2016, 05:29 AM

I've often found a gentle application of heat will soften some glues and even break the glue/metal bond of epoxy.

The trick is to go slow and heat to the point of smoke and then wrap a rag around it and wiggle it around a bit. Reheat if necessary.

If it's done correctly the glue itself will be altered but the wooden liner shouldn't char too badly. The trick is to go slowly and carefully. This works best with pitch type adhesives, shellac, gum obtained from trees, etc. if you're sure a shellac or organic heat activated resin was used, initially heat only where it can freely flow out. If it is heated where the expanding resin is trapped it can distort or split the metal mounts or, in an extreme case, explode! (Had this happen with a piece of silver I was experimenting with many years ago! It sounded like a .45 going off! I was lucky, it blew out at eye level but pointing away from my face!)

Epoxy can be urged to let go as well, but a slightly higher heat is necessary.

Another alternative would be to dribble solvent down the metal. You have to have some idea of what the adhesive is for this so work properly.

If you're OK with doing a complete rebuild of the scabbard you can soak the whole thing and remove the liner in pieces. Once the solvent vaporizes it can be reglued with white glue.

3rd March 2016, 05:29 AM	#4
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	I've often found a gentle application of heat will soften some glues and even break the glue/metal bond of epoxy. The trick is to go slow and heat to the point of smoke and then wrap a rag around it and wiggle it around a bit. Reheat if necessary. If it's done correctly the glue itself will be altered but the wooden liner shouldn't char too badly. The trick is to go slowly and carefully. This works best with pitch type adhesives, shellac, gum obtained from trees, etc. if you're sure a shellac or organic heat activated resin was used, initially heat only where it can freely flow out. If it is heated where the expanding resin is trapped it can distort or split the metal mounts or, in an extreme case, explode! (Had this happen with a piece of silver I was experimenting with many years ago! It sounded like a .45 going off! I was lucky, it blew out at eye level but pointing away from my face!) Epoxy can be urged to let go as well, but a slightly higher heat is necessary. Another alternative would be to dribble solvent down the metal. You have to have some idea of what the adhesive is for this so work properly. If you're OK with doing a complete rebuild of the scabbard you can soak the whole thing and remove the liner in pieces. Once the solvent vaporizes it can be reglued with white glue.