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  #1  
Old 04-03-2009, 07:35 PM
Greasepin Greasepin is offline
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Default 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
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  #2  
Old 04-03-2009, 07:47 PM
fscott55 fscott55 is offline
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Sandpaper on table. Hold saddle in fingers. Sand.
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Old 04-03-2009, 07:48 PM
Greasepin Greasepin is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fscott55 View Post
Sandpaper on table. Hold saddle in fingers. Sand.
kinda what i figured, but it sounds too simple.
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Old 04-03-2009, 07:51 PM
Jim_H Jim_H is offline
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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.
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Old 04-03-2009, 07:52 PM
Greasepin Greasepin is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greasepin View Post
kinda what i figured, but it sounds too simple.
I need to sand about a 1/4" before it'll even fit in the bridge, I think I need an electric sander.
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  #6  
Old 04-03-2009, 07:54 PM
Acoustom Acoustom is offline
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If you use a relatively course sandpaper it goes pretty quick. Best of luck!!
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Old 04-03-2009, 07:55 PM
Greasepin Greasepin is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by A027298 View Post
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.
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  #8  
Old 04-03-2009, 07:58 PM
mmmaak mmmaak is offline
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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.
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  #9  
Old 04-03-2009, 07:59 PM
fscott55 fscott55 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greasepin View Post
I need to sand about a 1/4" before it'll even fit in the bridge, I think I need an electric sander.
Put saddle in vise. Tighten down vise. Cover wood block with sandpaper. Sand down saddle.
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  #10  
Old 04-03-2009, 11:05 PM
Matt Mustapick Matt Mustapick is offline
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Belt sander. 1/4" leaves a long way to go.
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  #11  
Old 04-03-2009, 11:24 PM
Guitaardvaark Guitaardvaark is offline
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and they thought it was easy ...when you get done with that one you want to carve some fossil ivory saddles you say?
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  #12  
Old 04-04-2009, 05:30 AM
Greasepin Greasepin is offline
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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.
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  #13  
Old 04-04-2009, 06:11 AM
Brackett Instruments Brackett Instruments is offline
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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.
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