Ebony bridge caps

[Ron Nossaman]

> I want to experiment with using ebony bridge caps in the top section of 
> the treble in my pianos. 
>  
> I have taken sample pieces of ebony and attempted to notch them by hand 
> with disastrous results. Ebony is so hard and brittle that it wants to 
> chip and split, even with the sharpest of chisels and shallow cuts.  
> I've approached it from the top down and by coming in from the side.  
> The side cutting method works well with Hornbeam, but doesn't seem to do 
> well with the harder ebony. Do any of you master woodworkers have any 
> suggestions (short of not using ebony 8-)  )? 

Have you tried epoxy laminated maple veneer?


> I know that most of the companies who are using ebony caps have machine 
> notching devices.  I prefer doing things by hand, especially bridge 
> work, because I'm concerned about controlling the accuracy of a router 
> type notching machine.  But if anyone has successfully made their own 
> "notching machine" and would be willing to share their experiences 
> and/or has plans for such a devise, I would welcome any comments or 
> advice. 
>  
> Thanks in advance,
> Michael
> 
> /                Michael C. Spreeman


Have a look here.
https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/2005-April/171704.html

I've made some modifications to it since then, like a compound 
leverage feed handle and double ram table lift for better 
clamping hold down, but the basic machine is the same, and 
still as ugly.

Ron N