I use double sided tape to attach a template to a workpiece for routing. It works so well I can barely separate the two when I’m done! Any suggestions on how to separate the pieces without damaging the workpiece? A thin-bladed screwdriver is effective but crude and damaging.
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Replies
Try a wide-bladed putty knife instead.
I've tried the wide bladed putty knife but the blade bends and it's hard to get even that thin blade between the pieces.
I use a stiff one that has almost a chisel edge that will slip between the pieces. Light to moderate pressure, held for a few seconds, seems to work for me.
I have had this problem in the past and I found that by using very little two sided tape to hold the pieces, and I use a hunting knife with a wide blade to start the separation. The key is to use the min. amount of tape to hold the parts together.
HEAT! If the assembly is small enough, pop it into the microwave for 30seconds or so. If it's too big, use a heat gun on the template side,
Dick
The pieces are too big for a microwave but the heat gun is an idea. (First I have to buy one.) Speaking of heat, what about hot melt glue? Would that work better? Also, is there a brand of double sided tape that works better than others?
I use tape pieces only 1 inch square, spaced about 4 inches apart. I've thought of using smaller pieces but was concerned they might not hold the template and workpiece together. I'll try your suggestion.
Been there, done that. I didn't have any tricks to call upon and ended up resawing the template from the stock. Keep the tape away from the edges so that you can at least start separating the two. I have heard that piano wire works well. Get two wooden dowels for handles.
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
(soon to be www.flairwoodworks.com)
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Use small pieces of tape, like 1/2" squares, just a fraction of an inch in from the edge of the template, and spaced a couple of inches apart around the perimeter, none in the center. Use a 3/4" wide chisel, bevel side down, as a pry bar and apply steady pressure at one corner of the template and giving the tape a few seconds to release. Pry upward, trying to cut inward with a thin blade is likely to cause damage and is much harder. If all else fails a few drops of naphtha will loosen the adhesive's grip.
I use what is called "professional weight" carpet tape from Home Depot which has a fabric base and enough thickness to handle the minor unevenness of wood surfaces. The adhesive on it is very powerful, somebody used a large piece of it to anchor a jig on the Formica covered outfeed table of a saw in the FWW shop and they ripped off a chunk of the laminate when they tried to remove the jig.
John White,
(retired Shop manager of FWW)
As I think about your suggestion, John, I realize it makes a lot more sense to put the tape very near the edge rather than in the middle which is what I've been doing. Together with the chisel, prying the pieces apart should be a lot easier.Thanks. These have all been great solutions!
Agree with what John said as I just did 4 pieces last night 20 x 21 substrate with veneer to run through a 20" planer on a piece of 3/4" MDF. I had never used the Home Depot carpet tape before that John mentioned and layed 3 long strips the lenght of the MDF. Whoa Molley.. That stuff has got some hold.
Back to small strips for me with that tape as it produces a death grip. I had to use the method Lataxe mentioned with a piece of wedged wood and a hammer to get if off. I considered C-4 plastic explosives but it was around mid-night and I didn't want to wake the neighbors. I usually only use explosives before dark as I am much more conservative in my golden years than when younger. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Sarge..
John White, (retired Shop manager of FWW)
John, you use that retired word rather well.... I thought you were tired already and now you are re tired. Hope you are having some fun!
Morgan <!----><!----><!---->
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-------(*)/ (*) http://www.EarthArtLandscape.com
Use a slide box on your table saw.
I have had the same problem...my solution is effective, simple and was discovered by accident. I have a bunch of shims around the shop for various purposes (the presssed, composite kind from Home Depot). When I was trying to get two pieces apart, I was looking around and saw one lying around...and it was the perrfect solution. No marks, easy and quick.
Go to your local automotive paint store and get a can of MMM (Three M) Adhesive Remover (red and white quart squeeze can with spout).
Lift up the template as best you can with a putty knife and squirt in the remover (flood the area - it won't harm the wood) and wait a minute or two. The two pieces should separate easily. If they don't, repeat the procedure.
Clean up any adhesive residue with the same material. Don't worry about the wood - this stuff is safe for automobile finishes.
kreuzie
A,
Put the template-edge on your bench top front-edge, with the workpiece hanging over the edge. Using a piece of soft wood between the workpiece and a heavyweight hammer, knock the edge of the workpiece downwards until it separates from the template.
It helps if you don't go mad with the double-sided stuff, as others have mentioned. The shearing force of the hang-it-out and-hit method soon parts the pieces, with nothing damaged.
Lataxe
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