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| Replacing shell dots http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18043 |
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| Author: | Andy Matthews [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Replacing shell dots |
I've got a guitar in at the moment for a re-fret and the owner's asked if I'd replace the current 4mm abalone dots on the fingerboard with some slightly larger pearl ones. Anything I should look out for when drilling with the bit centered on shell? I'm a little concerned of the ability of the shell to hold the centre spur of the drill accurately. I certainly don't want it to wander. Or am I worrying about nothing? Always best to check I thought  Thanks |
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| Author: | TonyKarol [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Replacing shell dots |
If it were me I would predrill the centre with a 1/16 or so router bit, or possibly a dentist burr with a sharp point .... the router bits dont bend (1/4 shank), so you will get as true a hole as possible. then follow up with the required bit to fit the shell in. |
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| Author: | Andy Matthews [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Replacing shell dots |
So the bit you'd follow up with would be a HSS style rather than lip and spur I take it? |
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| Author: | old man [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Replacing shell dots |
I would try heating them with the tip of a soldering iron or wood-burning pen and see if they will pry out. I've removed inlays that way that were epoxied in. Ron |
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| Author: | Andy Matthews [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Replacing shell dots |
But then I'm still left with the tricky task of enlarging some holes by 1mm. Perhaps remove, plug with wood, and re-drill? hmm.... |
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| Author: | joel Thompson [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Replacing shell dots |
If i was doing that i put a cross on the pearl dot to get the center point. i would then make a mark in the center with a bradawl for the drill bit to bite against. then i would drill it with a 1-2 mm drill bit before moving on to the right size lip and spur or brad point. nice and simple. of course you will have a deeper hole where the spur was but this will be filled with whatever glue you use and hidden under the new dots. Joel. |
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| Author: | TonyKarol [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Replacing shell dots |
I would use a brad point once I had a small pilot ... |
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| Author: | Andy Matthews [ Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Replacing shell dots |
A small pilot in a pin vice to guide the end of the brad-point bit worked like a charm! The new dots are just setting up as I type this. Thanks for the help guys 
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