Hi all, I would like to get some feedback from the rebuilders on the list about the procedures that you follow in reusing a bridge without recapping. I am always tinkering with my methods (in an attempt to improve them, hopefully!). If the bridge is structurally sound (no splits or cracks, no cap delamination), and if speaking lengths are not changing due to a rescale, I reuse the bridge. I also sometimes reuse bridges with small splits at some bridge pins; I trust WEST System epoxies. If splits are bad, or the cap attachment is suspect, I recap. I will outline the bridge reuse protocol that I am currently following, and would like to hear your opinions about the procedure, specifically about any steps that you add/omit/reorder/do differently. 1) Measure old bridge pin diameters, remove and save them. 2) (optional) If bridge pins are shallow, deepen holes with a bit slightly smaller in diameter than the bridge pins. 3) Resurface bridge to so that string cuts are barely visible. Resurface bridge sides. 4) Vacuum out bridge pin holes. 5) Temporarily partially reinsert old bridge pins (1-2 mm depth). Rationale: keep lubricant from next step from entering bridge pin holes. 6) Apply lubricant (gray McLube, DAG, or raw graphite) to top of bridges. If graphite, seal with Permalon. 7) re-remove old bridge pins. 8) Renotch bridges, bisecting holes and slightly deepening notches 9) Epoxy in new bridge pins (WEST system). Use overflow to seal notches. 10) Level new bridge pins. I have tried various methods for this: coarse/fine file, ROS, and after a discussion here a year or two ago, just leaving them unleveled. This had the benefit of not applying undue heat and vibration to the pins/epoxy, but I was unhappy with it aesthetically, as overlapping holes in the treble prevented the pins from ending up at the same height. Open to other suggestions (air inline sander, anyone?).... --- I am especially interested in feedback on how you accomplish (or don't accomplish) steps 2, 5, 6, and 10, the order in which you do things, and why you do things as you do. Thanks, Joe DeFazio Pittsburgh
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