Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm wondering if I can use one of those Paua abalone pickguards to cut up for my logo inlay or ist it too thin & brittle?
Is there a backing on them & after I cut it, can I remove the existing adhesive. Then what kind of glue can I use to permanatly attatch?
Mike McNerney

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Mike McNerney

They're shell veneers on a piece of plastic, just one layer thick. That's why they're so cheap compared to Abalam.

You can cut them up and inlay them into something, but I suspect it'll look pretty horrible. The veneer will likely delaminate and chip wherever you cut, and in the end it'll look like a piece of shell veneer with a thick piece of plastic over it (which is what it is).

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Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services

Agreed with Bob. You can try, but it's not going to look very good. I tried using some similar stuff and cutting it with my laser, but the edges never came out clean enough. Bite the bullet and use the real thing Mike. You won't regret it, I promise!

Dave F.

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Cambrian Guitars

"There goes Mister Tic-Tac out the back with some bric-brac from the knick-knack rack"

thanks team, I appreciate it.
Mike

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Mike McNerney