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James, I hope that was an Ovation   

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

Scary...

I'll go back to using the broad axe for this task, it looks to deliver a wee bit more finesse

No, it wasn't an Ovation. Just my warped sense of humor.    This is one of my early ones that I am re-topping. Since I wasn't trying to save any part of the old top, I was using the quick method of removal. This thread was going on, and my mind just couldn't stop thinking up the questions.    I figured it would make a funny picture to start in the bridge pin hole. No, I didn't want that bridge....... stock replacement, drop in saddle, EI RW. Now I'm sure I won't have a weak moment and try it on another guitar.

I have actually used the jigsaw method for slotting. No problems. I'm relieved to see that Mario and Sylvan also use it. I thought I was being weird. I also have the little slotting saw, but it is harder to get the slot straight with that than with the jigsaw.

James,

So it was a scene from "The Texas Jigsaw Massacre" then

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Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

BTW, a good jig saw is an extremely useful tool for all kinds of things. If you want to invest in a good one, I'd suggest getting a Bosch. They are widely regarded as the best. It'd be money well spent.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

I just set up a guitar so I took some photos of slotting the bridge with my
jigsaw. See, I really do do it with the saw!

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Sylvan
http://www.wellsguitars.com

TJk if that thing had a rosewood handel I would swear you stold it from my shop... The funny thing is my has come up missing

I just know I would saw the guitar in half

What sort of blade do you use Sylvan ?

Russell -
It was just an ordinary jig saw blade that I grinded down to a size that would
fit a 3/16" hole. Its' thickness is about the thickness of a big "E" string. I
have never measured it but the blades' importance is that it fit inside the
hole so you can start the saw in a straight line. It is very controllable and
reliable - as scary as it looks!

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Sylvan
http://www.wellsguitars.com

Jigsaw for me too. I have a piece of padded vinyl flooring cut the the shape of the top with a precise hole cut out for the bridge. Put the linoleum on the top to protect the precious finish and then you have much less worrys about using a power tool.

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

I am going to give this a try, thanks to all for the info!

Thanks Sylvan