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Slothead RAMPS
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=53916
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Author:  SnowManSnow [ Tue Feb 02, 2021 6:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Slothead RAMPS

Ok. So another thread was about cutting the slots. Got that solved.
Now what about the ramps? I’ve been told use a dowel w sandpaper. Any better suggestions?
I’m looking for the round pointed ramps... not really flat and square.
Image
Image


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Author:  Jim Watts [ Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

I have a large round tapered file, maybe 1/2" in diameter. It not hard to control and works well for round slots.

Author:  Clay S. [ Tue Feb 02, 2021 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

For round bottomed ramps you can rough them out with a gouge (I prefer incannel but outcannel will work) and finish them off with the sandpaper wrapped dowel. If you are good enough (I'm not) you can do the finished surface with the gouge alone.

Author:  ballbanjos [ Tue Feb 02, 2021 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

I've used a large tapered round file as Jim mentions, and it works well. But the incannel gouge route seems like a good way to go too.

Your slots look really nice though!

Dave

Author:  Clay S. [ Tue Feb 02, 2021 8:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

I agree with Dave - your slots look really nice - kind of a mix of the usual square ended and round ended. If you made the ramps similar (flat bottomed with small radiuses on the sides) that might look cool!

Author:  SnowManSnow [ Tue Feb 02, 2021 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

ballbanjos wrote:
I've used a large tapered round file as Jim mentions, and it works well. But the incannel gouge route seems like a good way to go too.

Your slots look really nice though!

Dave

Via the luthier tools jig ha


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Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Tue Feb 02, 2021 10:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

This Grobet file has been very useful for ramps as well as a ton of other stuff. I use it a lot. Circular files and sandpaper on a dowel are used as well

https://www.amazon.com/Grobet-Swiss-Pat ... ag=mh0b-20

Author:  Colin North [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 4:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Suggestion.
If using a rasp/file, a wrap of electrical insulating tape on the legs and middle of the slots can help prevent a bad day - only takes one wayward swipe.
P.S. love the slots, looks like a small guide bush and a small router bit. Neat!

Author:  SnowManSnow [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Colin North wrote:
Suggestion.
If using a rasp/file, a wrap of electrical insulating tape on the legs and middle of the slots can help prevent a bad day - only takes one wayward swipe.
P.S. love the slots, looks like a small guide bush and a small router bit. Neat!

Good idea!


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Author:  SnowManSnow [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 7:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

I watched a guy on YouTube do it w a dremmel tool last night... anyone try that?


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Author:  Mike Collins [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 8:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

I use a Dremmel also.
sanding drum -slow speed.

Mike

Author:  jfmckenna [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 8:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Nice looking slot head. I use a round rasp followed by sandpaper dowels.

Author:  bcombs510 [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Has anyone tried the smallest round microplane? Those things eat material fast and are pretty easy to control.

Author:  TerrenceMitchell [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

I use a rat-tail rasp, followed by a dowel with sandpaper. The rasp seems (to me anyhow) to take material at a good rate that I can control, but don't feel like it takes forever. Mine's an Auriou with medium cut that I bought in my furniture making days. very nice tool that will last... and they are hand stitched, which makes them cut smoother without "washboarding" the surface. I don't know if this is the same cut as mine, but this is the first link I found:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/to ... em=62W3001

Author:  Gasawdust [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

+1 left handed Auriou 15 stitch followed by sanding.

Author:  Alain Lambert [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Nice job on the slots. Are you sure strings 1 and 6 have a clear path?

Author:  SnowManSnow [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 3:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Alain Lambert wrote:
Nice job on the slots. Are you sure strings 1 and 6 have a clear path?

No, :)
What are you seeing that may need attention?
I did use the luthier tool jig though


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Author:  ballbanjos [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

I think once the ramps are in, everything will be golden.

Dave

Author:  doncaparker [ Wed Feb 03, 2021 5:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

For the few slot heads I have done so far, I have not had a problem with the strings touching anything once the ramps are cut. They might touch the wood a little, but it doesn't cause a problem. I use a 15 degree angle; having that angle be a bit shallower might help avoid any touching. But, again, I have not had a problem with it.

A recommendation for when you string it up: Wind the E strings to the outside, and wind all the rest to the inside. And don't try to loop the excess string under the first winding, the way you would with a paddle head. That just increases the frustration and finger poking. Orient the hole to be perpendicular to the fingerboard.
Feed the string through the hole, leave a little slack, and pull it tight in both directions. It takes on a Z shape. Cut off the excess just a smidge beyond the Z, then wind it up. It holds on just fine, and it is much easier to take off when you change strings.

Author:  PatrickW [ Thu Feb 04, 2021 12:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Snowman nice work with the slots. Do you have the link where you cut the slots?

Author:  Alain Lambert [ Thu Feb 04, 2021 9:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

SnowManSnow wrote:
Alain Lambert wrote:
Nice job on the slots. Are you sure strings 1 and 6 have a clear path?

No, :)
What are you seeing that may need attention?
I did use the luthier tool jig though


My mistake, I was thinking the headstock was finished as is, and the ramp question was for the next one. If you make ramps to this one, then you will be OK

Author:  SnowManSnow [ Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Alain Lambert wrote:
SnowManSnow wrote:
Alain Lambert wrote:
Nice job on the slots. Are you sure strings 1 and 6 have a clear path?

No, :)
What are you seeing that may need attention?
I did use the luthier tool jig though


My mistake, I was thinking the headstock was finished as is, and the ramp question was for the next one. If you make ramps to this one, then you will be OK

Ahhh cool. I’m always open for criticism so if you see something that sucks it’s ok ha


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Author:  SnowManSnow [ Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

Image
Image
Always interesting how you can see things in pictures you don’t see in real life ha.
Still plenty of work to do here but getting there


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Author:  SnowManSnow [ Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

bcombs510 wrote:
Has anyone tried the smallest round microplane? Those things eat material fast and are pretty easy to control.

Would be interesting to try? May be hard to hang on to once the angle gets steeper and it disappears into the slot:)


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Author:  SnowManSnow [ Thu Feb 04, 2021 11:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Slothead RAMPS

PatrickW wrote:
Snowman nice work with the slots. Do you have the link where you cut the slots?

I didn’t record it for fear of recording a disaster ha. It is my first go at it though... so I’m fairly happy w the result


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