"Mechanical" problem with a chanter

[Seamie]

Hi
As an experienced uilleann piper, I'm a bit embarrassed asking as I thought I'd seen it all, but.....
I'm doing some maintenance on a friend's set. It's a bit of a mess with the joints over-wrapped with waxed hemp
and pipe dope (Arrrrgggggghh). Surprised frankly that the ebony hasn't exploded.
Got that all cleaned up & squared away but the wood chanter top feels like it's been welded to the body.
I couldn't budge it with a sledge (remain calm- I only speak colourfully for effect...)
Almost seems like it was left in a hot area and the hemp just fused. Seriously on there!
Any suggestions on how to get it apart? Heat? Cold? C-4? Help.
Thank you.
Seamus


Success......the trusty old Ice Box method. Thanks

[PJ]

Could be that the wood swelled up with humidity. Try putting it somewhere with low humidity for a day or two. In a closed room with a dehumidifier. That’s the least invasive thing I can think of.

[m4malious]

Not dissimilar to flute joints stuck together (old, swollen, hemped joints into wooden sockets).

Wd-40 carefully sprayed (small amount) into the seam of the joint. Get things to a point where the
parts can rotate against each other. Tension carefully to pull apart. More wd-40. Repeat.

M