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Old 01-31-2022, 01:48 PM
Tuvok Tuvok is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2022
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Default Advice on squaring finished slotted headstock

Hi all! Apologies in advance for the lack of photos. Neophyte lurker here seeking advice on the best approach to squaring the slots in a finished classical-style slotted headstock to that in the style of a turn of century Martin 000 (I.e. ‘squared’). The first approach that comes to mind is to make the cuts with a small coping saw, finishing with needle files and sandpaper. The second is to do the job with a square file to remove the wood and finishing it up files/sandpaper. The concern of course is damage to the varnish on the faceplate. Would taping the area off help protect it from damage? Any thoughts on refinishing the modified space would be appreciated as well. How would you approach the task?

Thanks in advance four your input!


~Tuvok
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Old 02-03-2022, 04:31 PM
nikpearson nikpearson is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Nottinghamshire, U.K.
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Default Not exactly sure what you’re asking but…

When creating the slots in classical guitars headstock:

1) Mark the slots on the headstock face. I find taping over the face and marking the slots out with a fine mechanical pencil the easiest way.

2) Drill either end of the slot with a 16 mm Forstner bit.

3) Score the edges of the slot with a marking knife and then cut close to these with a fret saw.

4) Remove the rest of the wood by first chiselling a ramp up from either edge and then chiselling across to finish the flat surface.

5) Use fine abrasive paper on a suitable sanding stick for final slot finish if needed.

6) Add string rams with a chisel for square ramps, or abrasive wrapped around 15 mm diameter copper pipe for rounded ramps. I’ve made an elliptical sanding stick to create a semi-circular ramp which can look nice.
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