safe removal of inlay to be routed

[Martian]

I have my inlay tacked in place , and am ready to remove to cut cavities. They seem to be stuck, more then I want. I think I read somewhere to soak the wood in very hot water. does this make sense? how long is too long. Ebony peg head, and ebony fingerboard. thanks

[Marty Jacobson]

What did you glue them with? If super glue, use acetone. If Elmer's, you need to carefully pop them off with a chisel. Please don't soak your fretboard.

[Martian]

I used elmers, and tried to go sparingly, thanks

[Jim Hilburn]

Depending on how delicate the inlay is I'd be very careful about prying on it.
Doesn't help now but I aways used Duco for this. Then I would patiently soak with acetone till it came loose.

[Martian]

okay, I did use elmers, but blotted it w/ my fingers first to get most off, and was able to coax everything off with a razor blade,. I was most concerned with my name as it is pretty fragile, but all is good, thanks

[Rob Roy]

The razor was a good choice, who wants to crack or break a piece of pearl? I would use a very thin pallet knife heated in hot water.