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I'm looking for an adjustable fretboard radiusing plane (sanding block) that LMI used to sell. This is the one with the three turnbuckles. It is quite hefty and is about 16" long or so.

If you or any luthier (or ex-luthier) you know has one of these laying around, going un-used, I would like to buy it.

Write to me at mconk@oakesdale.net if you have any leads, please!

Thanks!

Hi Mike,
the first time I saw that sanding block I thought it was a good idea, at
least for fretboards with constant radii. I made one very quickly with 3
pieces of wood and 2 turnbuckles. Mine is about a foot long. I just stick
PSA backed sandpaper on the bottom and I can change the radius to
whatever I want. A little notch holds the "eye" ends of the turnbuckles and
a loosely attached screw keeps the eye in place. Here's a quick sketch:

Hope this helps.
Craig S.

Craig,

Well, now I find myself saying "duh" to myself.

That is a great idea! You wouldn't happen to have a photo too?

What is the approximate depth of the webbing? 1/8"? 1/16"? Does it present a smooth face or are there creases? Does any one wood work better than another?

The thing I really liked about the LMI version was the fact that it had a lot of heft. I suppose there are various ways to add weight to something like that. Lead weights or shot bags or something.

Well, now I feel stupid. Sometimes you become so caught up in the quest for something, you forget to ask "Can I do that?"

Thanks again! I would still consider purchasing one if it is out there but if not, this is the way I will go. You're a lifesaver Craig!
mconk39014.5368287037

Craig, wonderful design! I think I'll have to build one of those myself.

I'll have to take a picture tonight (if I remember!). I have never felt that I
had to add any weight to it. It's surprising how quickly you can produce a
final radius. I don't remember how thick I left the web, but the sanding
surface is smooth, not faceted. I'll post a pic tomorrow.
Craig S.

Great Idea. I bet that would work really nice with a thick piece of corion or some flexible plastic on the bottom too. I'm on it. Simplicity rules.

_________________
"Preoccupation with an effect gives it power and enhances the error"
from "Your Owner's Manual" by Burt Hotchkiss.

Here's a couple of photos I took last night. It's a little different than my
sketch, but it was a long time ago that I built it (I can't remember what I
did yesterday!).

Not sure why they didn't post. I'll try again.
[IMG]useruploads/csullivan/2006-10-26_080809_boardsander1.jpg[/
IMG]
[IMG]useruploads/csullivan/2006-10-26_080834_boardsander2.jpg[/
IMG]csullivan39016.3393634259

Did not work Craig

Let's try one more time.

Doh! Now it ilooks like I'm going to have to try a third time to do this. The first time, I made the web too thin and it broke. The second time I left the spaces in between too wide (I think) and I don't think there's enough room to cut bisecting kerfs. Today I'll go to town and see if I can find some small turnbuckles (I live in the sticks) so we'll see. Thanks Craig!

I'm thinking you could laminate some 1/32 birch plywood that you can get at a hobby store to the bottom. It would add a lot of strength and durability. You can get a 24" X 48" sheet herefor about $13.

_________________
"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered." G. K. Chesterton.

Thanks Craig!

I remember seeing this jig somewhere else a long time ago. It might have even been in another galaxy far far away. Ah, anyway... The jig was fashioned of a plastic that wasn't kerfed, but relatively thin. I want to say that it was made of Kydex or from a blue 50 gallon drum. But I've slept since then and it might just be those guys in my head messing with my memory again.

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Aoibeann