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| Author: | stringbender [ Mon May 06, 2013 1:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | lacquer sticks and fret slots |
I have a neck where some of the fret slots are deeper at the edge than the fret tang, leaving some visible gaps.I have a suitable color lacquer stick, a burn in knife, and an alcohol lamp. In all my literature I can't find the original refererence to filling the gaps by this method. It may have been an old Stew-Mac catalog or Trade Secret. I have an old neck I can experiment with, but any input on this technique would be helpfull; including proper fuel. Can I burn isopropyl , for example, or do I need to use pure ethanol which I would prefer to save for mixing shellac. I am aware that there are now electric knives available but for me it isn't worth the extra expense. Also I am now wondering if lacquer could be used for filling small playing surface chips rather than epoxy or super glue? What is a lacquer stick composed of, by the way? Thanks, Stringbender. |
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| Author: | Colin North [ Mon May 06, 2013 1:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: lacquer sticks and fret slots |
Sorry, too much faffing about for me - I'm a Superglue and fingerboard "dust" man. |
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| Author: | Greg B [ Mon May 06, 2013 2:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: lacquer sticks and fret slots |
Most people use denatured alcohol (AKA methylated spirits). Common isopropyl is 70%. Not sure if that would burn very well. I just use my stove or a butane mini torch. Cumpiano & Natelson discuss lacquer stick use. I think Behlen or mohawk have some youtube videos posted. |
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| Author: | B. Howard [ Mon May 06, 2013 3:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: lacquer sticks and fret slots |
I Use them to fill fret slots on both new builds and re-frets. Quickest. easiest way I have found. I buy the ones from Behlins these days and they appear to be made of shellac actually. I use a propane torch kind of bunson burner style to heat my knives, very clean, no soot. Now you see them..... Attachment: IMG_4013.JPG Now you don't..... Attachment: IMG_4014.JPG
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| Author: | jackwilliams [ Mon May 06, 2013 4:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: lacquer sticks and fret slots |
Lacquer sticks will work, as Brian's photo shows....I believe I would trim the fret tang back a little... otherwise they might stick out the edge of the fgbd in the cold months....For a build, I believe I would bind the fingerboard.... no fret ends or lacquer stick filling to worry about... |
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| Author: | SteveT [ Mon May 06, 2013 6:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: lacquer sticks and fret slots |
Use denatured alcohol, not isopropyl. The isopropyl is sooting (orange flame tip). A knife with a curved tip works well to squish the molten lacquer into the fret slot. I have a wooden-handled knife for this purpose (Behlen?). The wooden handle keeps your hands from being burnt. After sanding smooth, you may have to go back & refill a few spots. It "drys" instantly, so there is no waiting to sand. Be careful with the alcohol burner, as the flame is nearly invisible. |
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| Author: | Michael [ Mon May 06, 2013 8:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: lacquer sticks and fret slots |
I use a propane torch for the heat. If you use lacquer sticks, your leveling of the hard fill could damage the surrounding area. I use low heat burn in sticks. With those, you can smooth after filling with a felt pad or a paper towel as I do. You can heat and mix the colors for a good match. Mohawk is my supplier. I also did piano touch-ups for a few companies in town in my youth. Michael |
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