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Problem removing bridge
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10137&t=49444		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Mike Lindstrom [ Mon Jun 05, 2017 10:38 am ]
Post subject:  Problem removing bridge
A friend's guitar (Fender 200sx (mid 90s cheap)) had the bridge lifting. Wanting to help her out and get some repair practice, I offered to fix it. When I removed the bridge, the top layer of the plywood top came off with it. It is almost completely clean about 1/8" in from the bridge all the way around. I assume it's overzealous scoring during manufacture. It must have already separated and been peeling up on its own before I started because it was lifted more than 1/2 way across the bridge.

So now that I'm here, what's the best way to fix it? It all fits together nicely and I think I can just glued it up and clamp it. Any reason that's a bad idea?

Thanks,

Mike
Author:  Mike Lindstrom [ Mon Jun 05, 2017 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Problem removing bridge
Oh! And the followup question would be what glue would I use? Since it came apart between layers, there must be some sort of plywood glue in there that I assume will keep my glue from sticking well.
Author:  Hesh [ Mon Jun 05, 2017 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Problem removing bridge
ep*xy...

A guiding principal of our trade is what's appropriate for the instrument......

ep*xy.....;)

PS: Meaning a quality epoxy such as West, Bob Smith, System III would be my choice.

PSS: Helping a friend can have scope creep. Good on ya anyway [:Y:]

PSSS: If the mess still fits well together just pick the fibers interfering with a great fit and go for it as is. We just don't talk about these kinds of repairs in pubic though..... :? :D

PSSSS: If someone ever asks about it be like Clint Eastwood in Heartbreak ridge when a pile of women's magazines is found on the empty bus seat next to him. Tell them someone must have left them there.....
Author:  Mike Lindstrom [ Mon Jun 05, 2017 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Problem removing bridge
Thanks for the suggestion. That's what I was hoping. No picking needed - no fibers to worry about. It just fits back together. I've got some (I think) West Systems left over, but I don't use a lot of epoxy any more. Does it have a shelf life? I guess I'll mix some up tonight and know in the morning.

And who knows. She's talked about having me build her a new instrument, so maybe this only needs to be a short term fix. We'll see.
Author:  Hesh [ Mon Jun 05, 2017 11:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Problem removing bridge
We've used pretty old ep*xy with no issues. One of the two parts will amber which can actually be a good thing color matching wise to older finishes. I'm told that the amber color on older ep*xy is UV cause but does not seem to impact strength.
Author:  Mike Lindstrom [ Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Problem removing bridge
What's the current wisdom about flexible vs. rigid epoxy for this?
Author:  Hesh [ Wed Jun 07, 2017 5:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Problem removing bridge
Mike Lindstrom wrote:
What's the current wisdom about flexible vs. rigid epoxy for this?


Ep*xy is dampening enough as it is and glue lines tend to be thick. I would go for rigid, quality ep*xy and not use the flexible stuff.
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