Difficulty removing ends

[Stephen DOUGLASS]

Does anyone have any suggestions for removing stubborn ends on an English concertina ? Screws

are removed around the edge but still stuck.

 

I would venture that this instrument has sat compressed in its box for some time.

 

Any suggestions gratefully appreciated.

 

Thanks 

Edited June 6, 2022 by Stephen DOUGLASS

[Alan Day]

Yes there are other screws under the thumb straps.

Al

[Stephen DOUGLASS]

Thanks Alan, it is my understanding that those screws are for accessing the action box by removing the plate. I'm trying to remove the complete action box so that I can access  the reeds. I have a Wheatstone also, and all I need to do is remove the outside edge 8 screws. This gives me access to the reeds. The instrument I'm having difficulty with is an English Crabb and I'm wondering if it's a different set up for removing that part.

 

 

Edited June 7, 2022 by Stephen DOUGLASS

[alex_holden]

In theory they should just come loose after you've removed the outer bolts. I hope a previous owner hasn't glued them on in an effort to cure a leak. You may have to try working a thin dull blade into the seam between the action box and bellows. If you're lucky they will pop apart, but there is a risk it will cause damage if they have been firmly glued on.

[Stephen DOUGLASS]

Thanks Alex, That could be the case, I may try try easing a thin strong thread through the seam before I use a blade.

 

[wunks]

Perhaps a heated blade or hot wire such as used to shape styrofoam if your lucky and it's hide glue?

[Stephen DOUGLASS]

Good option 'wunks' Tx

[Geoff Wooff]

I often  find  that  one  of  my  concertinas  has  this  'stuck-on  ends'  syndrome  but  it  is  just  that  the  ends  fit  so  well to  the  bellows  frames  and  reedpan  gaskets  that  they  appear  stuck.  It  is  almost  like  static friction.  A  nudge  or  lifting  firmly  will break  the  seal...

I  hope  this  is  the  case  with  yours.

[Stephen DOUGLASS]

I hope so too Geoff, but at the moment both sides still seem pretty much stuck...I'm being patient so as not to do any damage...hopefully. But if it's glue ...damage already done.

 

Edited June 7, 2022 by Stephen DOUGLASS

[wunks]

A knife is a wedge as well as a cutter.  If Geoff is correct maybe a light tap to the knife back applied just at a corner would do it.

[Stephen DOUGLASS]

Success!....not easily, but by gently following the all the way round with a painters palette knife I was able to separate. I don't think these sides have been removed since they left Liverpool Rd. Thanks to all for your advice.IMG_4546.HEICIMG_4546.HEIC