[CAUT] key bushings

[David Skolnik]

I've used both but currently using Spurlock.  I think Bushmaster may 
be faster, but I don't like wasting the cloth, especially as it seems 
difficult, of late, to get the same quality stuff.  The thicknesses 
seem to vary from one batch of a particular "size" to the next.  I 
have, on occasion, used two different thicknesses, to get the feel I 
wanted.  You can't do that with Bushmaster.  I would respectfully 
disagree with Susan as to its appropriateness as TV work.  Well, 
maybe with a bushmaster, but you're asking for trouble using a 
scalpel blade while watching TV, unless of course you're a 
doctor.  (I suppose the same could be said about drinking while doing 
this job as well.)

David Skolnik



At 02:29 PM 11/4/2006, Susan wrote:
>I concur. I bought a large selection of Spurlock's cauls and bulk 
>Renner bushing cloth many years ago, along with the large quilter's 
>cutting mat, rotary cutter, and a good heavy straight edge (steel, 
>made for carpet installers). I made myself the key clamps from 
>Bill's plans. I've never regretted having this gear. The results are 
>very good. One only has to be careful of the insertion distance, and 
>of being too aggressive by choosing cloth too thick. It may not be 
>the very most interesting use of one's time (good TV work) but the 
>results of good bushings are very gratifying, and can be obtained in 
>no other way. I do find that if I steam out the old bushings I have 
>to carefully size the balance rail holes afterwards.
>
>Susan Kline
>
>At 09:15 AM 11/4/2006, you wrote:
>>I vote for Spurlock key bushing cauls. I've used a Bushmaster and 
>>found it to be a very good tool, fast and accurate. However, I 
>>stopped using it because of the enormous amount of very expensive 
>>key bushing cloth left over, usually in pieces too short to be of 
>>any use. With the Spurlock system, you will only have a small piece 
>>of cloth left over with each strip of cloth you use.
>>
>>I also use the sizing cauls he sells and find them to be an 
>>indispensible part of the key bushing process.
>>
>>Best wishes,
>>
>>Tom Seay
>>Soon to be retired University Tech
>>Austin, TX
>>
>>>Since leaving my university job, I've had to purchase a number of 
>>>my own tools.  It's time for me to buy key bushing tools and I'm 
>>>curious what people think of the two major key bushing options, 
>>>Spurlock or Bushmaster.  I'm used to the Sprulock system, but I 
>>>did try the Bushmaster once.  It seemed like it wasted a lot of 
>>>bushing cloth, but it had the potential to be faster.  Anyone care 
>>>to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of each system?
>>>
>>>Richard West