Inset Metal Labels During Restoration Work

[SteveS]

I have a Lachenal concertina in the queue for resto work and was wondering how to manage the metal labels.

 

I have some fretwork repairs to do which will entail re-finishing the ends.

 

Should I remove the labels? If so how best to loosen the glue holding them in?

I assume the glue is hide glue so should come unstuck with relatively high temperature.

What do other restorers use as a localised heat source for loosening the glue?

 

Alternatively leave in-situ and protect them with say clear sticky tape from French polish and staining.

 

Suggestions much appreciated.

[david robertson]

In the case of instruments like New Models or Edeophones, I don't even attempt to remove them. I rub down to bare wood, going carefully right up to the edge of the labels,then apply French polish over the whole lot, labels and all. After 20 coats or so, I flat the finish with 600 grit wet and dry paper, then expose the badges by cutting back the polish with 0000 wire wool and wax polish.

With Wheatstones, there is generally a bit of a gap round the label, into which the point of a scalpel blade can be insinuated to prise the label out - no need to soften the glue at all. You will find, however, that some French polish will inevitably find its way into the recess, and you will need to trim it out before refitting the label.

[david robertson]

PS Here's how it ends up.

[SteveS]

In the case of instruments like New Models or Edeophones, I don't even attempt to remove them. I rub down to bare wood, going carefully right up to the edge of the labels,then apply French polish over the whole lot, labels and all. After 20 coats or so, I flat the finish with 600 grit wet and dry paper, then expose the badges by cutting back the polish with 0000 wire wool and wax polish.

With Wheatstones, there is generally a bit of a gap round the label, into which the point of a scalpel blade can be insinuated to prise the label out - no need to soften the glue at all. You will find, however, that some French polish will inevitably find its way into the recess, and you will need to trim it out before refitting the label.

Thanks David for the advice - very much appreciated.

 

BTW, the finished ends on the Edeo look very nice!

 

It's a New Model I have in the resto pile.

[david robertson]

A bit like this one, I expect - it's a baritone that has just gone to a customer in Australia. I'm a big fan of the New Model, but I wonder if you would agree that the bellows never seem to open as wide as they might?