how do you take up linoleum on a wood floor with out damaging the wood
Not damaging the wood just can't be avoided, but you can minimize the damage by working slowly and carefully. Start by removing the linoleum with a pry bar such as a wonderbar. If the adhesive is strong, then you will have to tap the end of the wonderbar with a rubber mallet to scrape up the lino. Be sure to wear a respirator since that old glue may contain asbestos fibers. Once the lino is removed, you can go after the adhesive. Keep in mind that any adhesive remover you put on the floor will seep into the wood, and prevent future adhesives from sticking. It can also interfere with how you stain the wood. Boiling water seems to be the method of choice to loosen the glue. It's applied in small amounts, and then the softened goo can be scraped it off with a putty knife. After the bulk off the goo is off, your floor can be lightly sanded. editted to add that while a heat gun can also work, it's not recommended if you plan on staining the floor. If you are not experienced with heat guns, you can scorch the floor and discolor it permanently.
use a heat gun to soften the adhesive
steam , it will leave the glue . but scrape with the grain , and a hole lots of sanding with the grain
a very sharp scraper. a long handle ice scraper works best and sharpen often like with a sharpening stone. best if stone can be attached to a drill.
