Heathkit GR64 shortwave radio

[wkand]

HI:

Excuse my neophyte question, but I've seen posts before in the forum where folks have suggested rewinding power transformers.

I've seen the inside of many over the years, and all look impossible to rewind due to the lamination of the core being enameled/glued. That enamel looks pretty sturdy. How does one get the iron plates apart without destroying them?

I assume that step would require some sort of solvent, but what would you use that would not damage plastic or phenolic coil form parts?

Would the rewind have to destroy all the wire in all windings to get the enamel off. Does heat work?

Thanks!