Advice on removing HHGed binding

[Bob_H]

Hi All

I have decided to redo the binding on my current Tiger Myrtle / King Billy ukulele build as I am not happy with the result (gaps and inconsistent depth of channel) and made the mistake of shaping them before deciding that the gaps / variations were more than I was happy with, so adjusting the existing bindings by local application of heat and retaping is not a real option (lessons learnt!).

I have decided to remove the existing binding and replace them. I have used hot hide glue, but what would be the best way to apply heat to the bindings to release the glue, given that I don't want to also release the back or or the bracing? Would a hit knife, or a soldering iron through wet cloth, or similar be better than a heat gun (a bit indiscriminate I would have though))?

All and any advice gratefully received

[johnparchem]

If I am not saving the bindings I just pretend they are not there and recut the binding channels with my binding jig. If I want to save the bindings I start at one end and use a heat gun and a spatula to gently work the bind off. I just work along the binding heating and removing.

[kiwigeo]

Unless you need to keep the bindings just go in with a router and rout them out.

[Bob_H]

Thanks one and all - I should have thought of that!