Official Luthiers Forum!

Stewmac has a new (or atleast new to me) bridge pin hole slotting tool. I want to order it (them) but waffle on which files to purchase. I use light gauge strings.

Thanks!
Chris

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

I use home made ones from saber saw blades.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

+1 on the sabre saws blades with 1/2" dowel for handles. I have a couple made from hacksaw blades too. I adjusted the kerf by grinding the sides of the teeth as necessary.
If you're gonna do this, make 'em so they cut on the push stroke. Less chipout on the top surface of the bridge.
Anyone tried the abrasive cord sold by SM & Lee Valley? It looks like it'd work great!
I have often wished for a good set of files... Maybe they'll go on the "someday" list.

I use a dremel with a # 113 bit .
It leaves a half round slot that the string seats into and I can do all 6 in
1 minute.
Mc

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Mike Collins

+1 on the rotary tool. I have switched from files and now use a pencil die grinder with small burr bit. I do have to finish file the 5th and 6th... because I don't want to go too wide with the burr(it cuts fast). I think I saw it being done on Charles Fox's website and that is when I tried it.

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Chris Oliver
Infinity Luthiers
...in the shop.

live every minute...

Been doing it for over 20 years !
Threw the file away !

Love the way the slots come out !
Mike

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Mike Collins

WOW....Mr. Collins.....the force must be strong with you!!

Not I have the guts to try it that way but I'm going to look into it.

Thanks to everyone!

Chris

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There is no difference between the man that thinks he can....and the man that thinks he cannot.

Wow! For those who use the Dremel, how do you keep the bit from wandering?

Thanks

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Steve Walden
Aspiring Builder,
Bartlesville, OK

Hey Steve;
I was wondering the same thing. I tried using a rotary tool early on, but it tended to climb up one side of the slot.
Gotta find me a #113 bit & do some practisin'!
Thanks for the tip guys.

I had a problem with wandering when using the dremel only.
Recently I tried starting the slots with a modified jigsaw blade in a handle.
Then I went with the dremel tool - tendency to wander was much reduced, although I still had to apply some pressure to the left to maintain alignment.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

The #113 bit is not a router type bit.
But a burr-many tiny burrs that do not grab the wood.

Mike

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Mike Collins