I wonder if anyone can help especially if they have first hand experience of ceased joints.
I have a flute with the joint at the bottom end of the barrel / 1st joint ceased. This was the way it was when I got it.
The flute must have been left assembled when the joint was damp from playing. This causes the hemp to stick to the internal surface of the barrel. My local repairer had a go at releasing it but only got a small amount of rotation and approx. 1mm apart using white sprit. He said that if I worked at it patiently I might get it apart. I’ve had some excellent advice from a real expert who was able to describe exactly what the problem is. As well as the hemp sticking it can pucker up and bind on it self when trying to pull apart.
I have had a few goes using metholated sprit (as he advised) and got full rotation but only about 1mm apart. He also advised that I could try hot soapy water but warned that this might cause swelling.
Meths softens and unsticks the hemp and has a slight lubricant quality.
Rotation with the meths was initially very tight but is now a bit looser. I think the hemp may have come unstuck from the tenon. With no meths the joint is dead solid. While his advice was very useful he said he has never had to do this.
Before I try again can anyone advise:
On the last attempt I was only able to rotate anti-clockwise. Is it likely the hemp has broke and binds in c/w rotation, if this happen in the other direction I could be flumexed!. Or is it that counter c/w is tightening and c/w opening the lapping.
Any other suggestions or anyone to share their experience?
A chemist friend suggested silicon oil but said it would have to be a last attempt, as it would not be misable with solvents after.
Pixyy did you get it apart when it dried up?
Who’s stuck up ?!
All the best
Kevin