bridge recapping tools

[Ron Nossaman]

> I must dive in to my first treble bridge recapping job.  I
> have only done a bass bridge thus far and it was only
> beveled, not notched.   Maybe the difficulty of this job
> can be taken down a few notches if I get the best tools and
> wonder what you would recommend.

Which tools are best is written in the blood stains of the user.


> I have looked at the Mazzaglia website and saw: Bridge pin
> tri-punches Massive chisels Bearing saw Bearing gauges 
> Bearing lines Notch tool - for cutting and cleaning the
> sides of the notches Bridge capping washers - is this for
> putting pressure on the joint while gluing on the new cap?

Below is a photo of my notching tools. Pin punches are easily 
made from scrap 1/4" Plexiglass, and easily re-made if you 
don't like the first test. Do, by the way, test on a mock up 
before committing on the actual bridge. Go for about a 10° 
offset angle.

I cut notch sides with the knife (with nicely curved edge) and 
a hammer (producing the dents on the knife's spine in the 
photo). This works as well for me as anything I've tried.

Some folks like a really heavy mortising chisel, some like the 
Japanese chisels. I like a long blade (paring chisel), and 
considerable overall length. Mine is 12-3/8" (135mm) long, 
with a 6-1/2" (165mm) blade, 7/8 (23mm) wide. Any of these 
will work. It's a matter of personal preference and control.


> Do you recommend PianoTek's bridge capping material or who
> else.

If you're planning on planing the new cap to finish thickness, 
stick with solid maple instead of laminated. The Pianotek 
stock should be fine.


> I have read Bob Hohf's article on Bridge Recapping - not
> artilcle more like a book.  Is there another good writing
> on this ? - need something concise I know I'm going to
> have a lot of questions on this and will also look over the
> archives.

The Journal reprints on CD has a bunch of stuff.

Ron N
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