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Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=51636		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  SnowManSnow [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
What tools do you guys use to do string slots at the top of your bridge pin holes? SM has job specific tools but as usual they seem pretty high.
Just wondered what you all used.

Thanks
B


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Author:  Mark Chinworth [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier ... otsaw.html
Author:  Colin North [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
Different thicknesses of jigsaw blades ground down at the back and fitted with a handle for initial slotting, refined with a 5.5" Bahco Round Needle File.
Cut the string ramps with dremel and round bits.
Author:  Rodger Knox [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I use something similar.
Author:  dpetrzelka [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 1:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I had used homemade jigsaw blade style slotting saws for a couple years—they work, and will get the job done. But they have a tendency to grab/jump.

Image
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I finally picked up the two sizes from Stew Mac, and if you are going to do more than a few bridges worth of slotting, they are absolutely worth it. The teeth on theirs are symmetrical triangle teeth, negative hook angle—they cut slower, but much smoother than the jig saw blades I've used.

If you could find jigsaw blades with very low, or negative hook angle, those would work best.
Author:  meddlingfool [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 2:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I use an old coping saw blade, then triangular then round needle file...
Author:  jfmckenna [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 3:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I got one from SM many years ago, probably 20 years now, and still use it. It looks like it was just a jigsaw blade mounted in a handle though. The pull saw option seems like a better idea though.
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 4:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
A long time ago Sylvan Wells described using the Bosch blade we all use by hand in a jig saw. Scary but I tried it and that is what I have done ever since. I think in many respects you have better control than you do by hand and no issues with the blade catching and jumping out of the hole.

Here is my rig.

Image

I do it after countersinking the hole and reaming for the bridge pin. Protect the top of the bridge with some tape. You can make a starter notch by hand to center the cut if needed. Scares me a little every time but I have never had a problem.
Finish with needle files for proper width on the larger strings.
Author:  Hans Mattes [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 5:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I've been using a narrow end mill in a Dremel, finding it easier to avoid damaging the pin hole rather than using a saw.
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
Why worry about stewmac prices? Just buy it. If everybody built guitars, prices would be lower, but then so would yours.
Author:  Rod True [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 6:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
Like Terry, I use my jigsaw. Has thick cork on the bottom. Lots of control and quick. Mario P (aka: Grumpy) turned me on to that tip. Finish up with micro round file.
Author:  meddlingfool [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
Ballsy!
Author:  dpetrzelka [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I'm getting out the power tools on my next one.
Author:  kjaffrey [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 8:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I also you a jig saw with a thin blade. Scared me to death at first but it has worked great.

Kent
Author:  rbuddy [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
https://www.amazon.com/Xacto-X215-Blades-15-Pkg/dp/B000BREQDO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550804129&sr=8-1&keywords=xacto+keyhole+saw+blade

Also fit a fret slot perfect for easy radiusing, cleaning, deepening...just plain handy.

Ya gotta try 'em, you'll like 'em.
Author:  Pmaj7 [ Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I use the stewmac saw they were selling 10 years ago. It cuts on the push and works great except for sometimes the blade bends and you have to straighten it out. I use a chisel to shave the top of the groove for the windings.

I also tried the power jigsaw after seeing many doing it on here. I was pretty scared so I tried it on a cheapie and what do you know, it worked a treat! That cork bottom idea sounds like a good bit of insurance, however when you are pushing down and forward on the jigsaw it's pretty solid and steady as she goes.

New username, same Pat Mac
Author:  Rod True [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 12:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
The cork is also soft so as not to mar the bridge ;)
Author:  Mike Collins [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 8:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
I use a Dremal with a 113 bit.
Mike
Author:  jfmckenna [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 9:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
You guys have me almost convinced to use a jig saw but dang, one mistake and....
Author:  Bryan Bear [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
jfmckenna wrote:
You guys have me almost convinced to use a jig saw but dang, one mistake and....


I'm thinking the same thing. Everyone seems to have success with it, I'd be the one to screw it up. All I have access to is a really, really old jigsaw. I really have no other need to get a newer one. Are there any features that your saws have (that mine would not) that makes this doable? This might be a dumb question, but not as dumb as using it on a guitar without asking. . .
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 11:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
How do you not overshoot the depth of the slot with a jigsaw? It just seems like such overkill.

I have been using the new Stew-Mac slotting saws and files and they cut very smoothly and let you sneak up on the required depth without any pucker factor.
Author:  Rod True [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 11:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
For those thinking of trying the jig saw, make up a test piece with some 3/16” holes with the bridge pin countersink. Drill as many holes as you need to get comfortable doing the job. It’s really very simple. You don’t need to push the saw much at all and just pay attention to the blade.


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Author:  Woodie G [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
We use a cordless Milwaukee M12 jig saw equipped with a Bosch 101AO blade...the jigsaw's plastic shoe cover eliminates the need to tape the bridge for protection, and the variable speed capability of the Model 2445-20 saw makes precise control easy. Final cleanup is done with a needle file and the StewMac bridge slotting files.

After years of using a mix of cordless tool brands in the shop, we've moved to the M12/M18 Milwaukee line for everything. Just the cost savings on batteries is a good reason, but Milwaukee seems to be making the right tools for us at affordable prices.
Author:  Pmaj7 [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
Bryan, I used an older cheapie one, and while it would be nice to have that smooth and quiet Festool feeling, the old cheapie was pretty adequate.

I'm surprised that no one else has mentioned using chisels to widen the slot for the windings. That's how I learned as a repair apprentice when I started and just figured it was standard. I do like using Sharp chisels whenever possible, you just have to be careful not to take more off of one side than the other. I just shave the sides rather than trying to do it all in one go.

New username, same Pat Mac
Author:  Bryan Bear [ Fri Feb 22, 2019 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge pin hole slotting saw options
Thanks Pat. Good to know!
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