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I decided to use the bench-top-underside of shelf method of go-bar deck. My benches are 36" high. and the shelf I'm about to build will be just high enough for me not to hit my head plus a bit more..I'm thinking 36" to 48" above the bench-top. How do I determine the diameter and length of fiberglass rod, to make sure it will provide enough clamping force?

BTW thanks to all those who gave tips for shop design, mine is almost complete!! I have a back and sides set, and a few neck-blanks to work on.. and I cant wait. Ill post some pics in the next couple days.. trying to decide if I should paint or leave the walls alone.. I originally thought I would go white for the reflected light, but now I'm not sure, its really bright in there. I think my lights are plenty good enough even without paint. I don't know though.. I can always slap some white on from the bench-tops to the ceiling. Again.. thanks a ton folks, you guys are the newbies' greatest tools!

Jason

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A go bar doesn't need a whole lot of deflection to work, actually an excessively bent rod doesn't apply as much force and is just an accident waiting to happen. potential energy and slippage make for stressful moments.

You will either need two different lengths or a platform if you want to be able to close the box in your deck. If you only want one bunch of rods to deal with, make a platform about as 4" high, or as deep as the largest model sides. This way you can use the platform to raise up your radius dish to do the back and the top and then just take it out when you go to deal with gluing the plates onto the sides.

You only need an inch or so of deflection, so an inch or two longer than the distance from the bottom to the top of your deck.

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Aoibeann

Thank you!
As for rod diameter, lets say the distance between my bench-top and shelf is 36", is there a standard diameter that I should use.. or is it just a matter of feel.. like get a couple and see how it works? Maybe I'm over thinking this a bit. As long as the rods are bent at 45degrees or anything.. I should be good

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Once the rod buckles, the force it exerts changes very little over a long
range of deflection. So as stated above 1 to1 1/2 inches of deflection is
plenty. I think 45 degrees would be way too high- might risk fracturing
the rods as well.

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

3/16" solid fiberglass rods are pretty standard for go bars.

I use 3/16" fiberglass rods that are 36" long. I tested using a digital scale and 4 inches of deflection - too much to be handled safely - and I got 3 lbs. 6 oz. of pressure. At 1 inch of deflection - much easier on the nerves - I got 3 lbs. 2 oz. of pressure. I've never had any issue with glue-ups over 18 guitars using these.

Hope this helps...

Chuck

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Thanks! All I needed to know Time to order up some.
cheers

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Amazon sells 3/16"x48" rods for $1.90. You'll just need to cushion the ends.

This is the best pricing I have seen for them, especially if you buy bulk, and where I got mine. Good people to deal with.

http://www.goodwinds.com/merch/list.sht ... fiberglass

+1

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Aoibeann

Very good! Thanks for the link

I caught that link here once before, I ordered a bunch today, thanks again!

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I'm using Goodwinds rods as well. I stopped by the shop and the nice person working there was keenly interested in the go-bar deck. I showed her some pictures.

She custom cut them to length for me and provided rubber tips as well.

All around an excellent experience.

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Jim Hansen

..Ordered the rods.. forgot to get the caps anyone know if any large chain stores would have em or anything? I may call Goodwinds and see if they shipped my order yet. Ugh.. that's what I get for ordering them in the middle of the night.

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Call them ASAP. If they have already shipped the order (which if you put it through in the middle of the night I doubt it), then they could probably just send it off in a small envelope for a small fee, 100 caps do not take up much space.

Called em up at 1pm eastern.. about opening time in WA. The lady I talked with was really helpful and super cheerful, love those kind of people. They got me all squared away.. I even added a few more bars and extra caps. Good start to the day! Thanks folks.

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