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Need some advice on hand bridge making
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=37757		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  johnwalkerwaldsmith [ Sun Sep 16, 2012 11:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Need some advice on hand bridge making
I took on two bridge making jobs and realized my drum sander (delta 18-36) wont put the wings on the bridge, now i have to hand
do it or with a dremel or something....anybody got a genius idea for this?
Author:  alan stassforth [ Sun Sep 16, 2012 11:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
A rasp and some sandpaper?
Author:  DennisK [ Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
How 'bout a chisel?

I cut out my bridge outlines with a jeweler's saw, but it's rather slow going and still leaves a rough edge that needs refining, so it would be sort of pointless on a standard belly bridge where you could just clamp it in a vise and chisel from the edge to shape the wings.

Or if you mean thinning down the wings from the face of the bridge, a chisel is good for that too. Followed by a bit of scraping and/or sanding to smooth it out.
Author:  jac68984 [ Mon Sep 17, 2012 12:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
Spindle sander w/ makeshift fence? Drillpress with a sanding drum and fence? The end of a belt sander? Safetplaner? Gouge, chisels, rasps, sandpaper? Shoulder plane? Lots of ways to skin that cat.
Author:  klooker [ Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
Bandsaw initial shape then follow with rasps, files, and sandpaper.

Kevin Looker
Author:  Rodger Knox [ Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
Dynamite.
There are few problems that can't be solved by the judicious use of explosives, but shaping a bridge will require finesse.
The other suggestions are probably better... bliss
Author:  unkabob [ Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
I thin the wings on briidges using the radial-arm-saw and smooth it out with 80 grit on a pipe.

Bob :ugeek:
Author:  B. Howard [ Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
I guess about the only suggestions that haven't been thrown out there are a sharp rock and a pointy stick ( Todd can help ya out with the pointy stick) But seriously folks.....I do it with a sanding drum in my drillpress with a fence.
Author:  Tony_in_NYC [ Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
A small drop of Chuck Norris will get you there fast.
Author:  Jim Kirby [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
Rodger Knox wrote:
Dynamite.
There are few problems that can't be solved by the judicious use of explosives, but shaping a bridge will require finesse.
The other suggestions are probably better... bliss


Micro shape charges?

I'm making classical bridges, where a good amount of the wood can be removed (and saddle slot cut) with some initial passes over the trusty 7-1/4" Diablo. Beyond that, it's rasps to round the wings, Robbie O'Brien's trick of doing the bevel at the wing ends by putting the bridge in a blade sharpening jig and working it like you were sharpening a plane blade, and then scrapers and files to finish up.
Author:  John Killin [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
Jim Kirby wrote:
Robbie O'Brien's trick of doing the bevel at the wing ends by putting the bridge in a blade sharpening jig and working it like you were sharpening a plane blade


That is brilliant. [clap] [clap] [:Y:] [:Y:] [clap] [clap]
Author:  John Mayes [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
Pick your size of PVC pipe and use some adhesive sandpaper after the bandsaw. That helps with the wings and getting them even if you're not the best with the rasp/files.
Author:  John Arnold [ Tue Sep 18, 2012 10:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Need some advice on hand bridge making
My preferred method is the sanding drum in the drill press with a fence..... after roughing it out on the bandsaw. I have done thousands with a 3" drum, though the 2" drum I have now is more correct for a Martin bridge.
Be sure to feed it against the rotation.
I use the same arrangement to thickness sand saddle and nut blanks, in spite of the fact that I now have a good thickness sander.
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