First attempt at making a saddle(need help)
 

I've been trying to make a saddle for this Matador, the one posted here http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=150773 (the 12 string). Whats the best way to file/sand down the saddle?? It's 1/4" in width so a regular file is taking forever. Any suggestions would be of value.


Thanks,

-Sean

Sandpaper on table. Hold saddle in fingers. Sand.

kinda what i figured, but it sounds too simple.

I put a couple of different grades of sticky back sandpaper on a marble cutting board (but any dead-flat surface will do), and carefully sand the bottom, being sure to not round over the bottom surface at all (i.e. keep the saddle 90 degrees to board). Even a minor curve, or rounding of the edge, could have an effect on the tone.

I need to sand about a 1/4" before it'll even fit in the bridge, I think I need an electric sander.

If you use a relatively course sandpaper it goes pretty quick. Best of luck!! :)

Thanks boys, I just wish it wouldnt cost so much to do it locally.

I use a rotary tool to shape the top to the desired radius and get the height down to roughly where I want it. Then I continue shaving with different grades of sandpaper glued to mirrors or any other hard, flat surface.

Put saddle in vise. Tighten down vise. Cover wood block with sandpaper. Sand down saddle.

Belt sander. 1/4" leaves a long way to go.

and they thought it was easy ;)...when you get done with that one you want to carve some fossil ivory saddles you say?

Its a 1/4" thick bone saddle, but its too long for the bridge. THeres some extra on the end that needs to go before it will fit in the bridge lengthwise.

Get it close with a belt sander, the do the last little bit by hand, with sandpaper on a flat surface. Measure often so you keep it even and don't sand too much. I've got a pair of tight fitting leather gloves I wear to keep from sanding my fingertips. Wear a dust mask so you don't breathe the stuff.