I have a kitchen cabinet door that had split apart from the tongue and groove joint. I glued it together and clamped it. When I took the clamps off the next day I noticed it was visibly warped because the groove obviously was too deep. I need to get the joint apart so I guess my question is how do I soften the glue up so I can get the joint apart? The glue was the yellow wood glue. I'd appreciate any feedback on my situation thanks
Midland, PA
- Bryan
Our Expert
Yellow and white wood glues will release with the application of water or heat. For example, recently, the edge-to-edge joint on my kitchen table top came apart as a result of continual exposure to the heat from a lap top computer. It was an easy fix; I just ripped the top apart along the seam and glued it back together (we since got a cooling pad for the lap top).
The tongue and groove joint that you're working may not be as easy to repair. Although heat and/or water will cause the glue to release, it must reach into the joint to be effective. Heating the surface enough to reach into the joint may damage the wood. Water will raise the grain and possibly warp the surface. Also, keep in mind that once you get the joint apart it is necessary to remove all traces of the old glue; fresh glue must penetrate into the pores of the wood to be effective. It may be easier and less time-consuming to construct a new door.
