I've been criticised for even suggesting on the MMD the use of RTV
silicone sealant adhesive, but am happy to reiterate:

RTV silicone sealant adhesive comes off plain wood as easily as any
other adhesive by sanding or scraping, though it can often be peeled
off -- it just needs a little practice.  (There is a very effective,
safe RTV solvent available, but it's unnecessary.)

RTV is even quicker and easier to remove from 'glazed' surfaces, and
achieves a stronger bond.  It bonds well to smooth old hide glue or
boards glazed with PVA -- please note: PVA, _not_ PVC!

PVA is totally water soluble and needs no thinners or solvents other
than water for removal.  PVA is used all the time by world-famous picture
restoring companies I was associated with for relining the canvases of
extremely valuable old masters.  PVA is _not_ water-insoluble white
resin glue!

I learned how to use hot glue perfectly well in the late 1960s and have
used it often since.  Unlike most users I even contrived at various
times hot cupboards and cauls like the original manufacturers', without
which the job cannot be done properly.

Yet I prefer RTV.  It's no quicker than hot glue, and requires a
similar technique, but invariably ensures perfect, clean -- and totally
reversible -- results first time without separate leather or card
gaskets and needs no clamps.

In my experience so many, especially newcomers, have achieved very
inconsistent results trying to use hot glue, and when they have rebuilt
again using RTV in the way I explained they have achieved perfect
results.  There are several MMD readers who've used my method more than
satisfactorily.

My restorations are in fact more easily and safely repaired with less
likelihood of damage than those assembled with hot glue, and my players
regularly get compliments on how well they perform -- and have done for
some 35 years.  Some belong to satisfied serious collectors who know my
techniques well.

As for using 'authentic' materials, it's simply not possible to source
them today, and to make our players give the performances and pleasure
originally intended -- what this hobby is all about -- it's simply best
to choose materials and techniques which are the fittest for purpose,
like RTV.  I'll go on using and advocating it.

Paddy Handscombe
Wivenhoe, Essex, UK

 [ See also Paddy's earlier article on this subject, at
 [ http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/Digests/200603/2006.03.13.03.html
 [ -- Robbie