Official Luthiers Forum!

I would like to make my own bridge pins. Is there a tool out there to cut the taper, or plans on how to build one? How critical is the degree of taper, I have a set of taper pin reamers already, or do I have to buy some kind of 'standard' one?
Mike McNerney, ottawa

_________________
Mike McNerney

Mike,

Take a look at Louis' 'Turning Pins' tutorial here:

viewtopic.php?f=10117&t=17905

You may also contact him about his bridge pins too.

Good Luck,
Andrew

_________________
Hibdon Hardwood, Inc.
http://www.hibdonhardwood.com
1410 N. Broadway
Saint Louis, Missouri 63102
314.621.7711

I did an updated tutorial on making pins with a small metal lathe.

http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=15015&hilit=new+turning+pins

The usual tapers are 3 deg or 5 deg. I make my bridge pins with a 3 deg taper and my end pins 5 deg taper.

I'd be happy to help you figure out a set up if you have any questions.


Louis

_________________
- Louis Freilicher

Oh No! Not another learning experience!

thanks Louis & Andrew,
WOw, there certainly a lot of different ways to do things. Not having done work on a metal lathe I haven't thought it through the way you approach it, but I see it works well.
I am thinking about making something like a pencil sharpener & maybe even mounting it in the headstock of my wood lathe. Either way cutting the shank (taper) first. As you have done I would work with stock long enough for 2 pins. After the tapers are cut I would band saw into 2 pieces. I would then put the shank into a homemade chuck either wood or aluminum with the coresponding taper & turn the rest either with a designated profile tool such as yours or freehand, & I can sand the head at the same time .
If I do get it together I will let you know>
Mike

_________________
Mike McNerney

Thats a graet tute louis,

do you think you could do this with a small wood turning lathe.

It looks like a mini metal working lathe would be better if you are seriouse about knocking a few hundred pins,

Joel.