Ive been thinking about this for a while, looking at different designs on the internet. Finally decided on a design concept. This is the first run, it is still a work in progress. The way it is set right now, it is not adjustable, it is set for a 12" radius at the nut, and a 14" radius at the end of the board. I wanted to feel it in action before I went any further. It works very well. I ran 2 pieces of wood through it, the first one was 0.030" different from one edge to the other, due to me not locating the true center of the face of the fret board plate. The second board, with a little adjustment and more care, was within 0.010" throughout, meaning that the edges are the same on bopth sides, and at both ends. The fret board face of both boards is excellent.. The radius of both is very good, and a precision straight edge held on the board shows no light. The radius matches the stew mac radius guage, at least the 12" end does. The 14" end looks like a 14" radius when compared with the radius guage. I was working with 120 grit.
The feel with the sander is smooth, easy, feels right, plenty of control.
The plate that holds the fret board is made from Richlite, and has a wide dado, giving some ribs to hold the board in place in case of disaster. 2 sided tape holds the board in place, and showed no signs of weakness. It would be easy to rig this for vacuum clamping.
I am very pleased with this. It looks plenty accurate, and the adjustable bits to allow greater accuracy are not even in place. I saw some funky looking rigs on youtube, and elsewhere on the web, to accomplish the same result. This ended up being much simpler than I expected. I like how compact this is.
When this is finished, the radius will be fully adjustable.
Any ideas or critique would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers! and thanks to you all..
The feel with the sander is smooth, easy, feels right, plenty of control.
The plate that holds the fret board is made from Richlite, and has a wide dado, giving some ribs to hold the board in place in case of disaster. 2 sided tape holds the board in place, and showed no signs of weakness. It would be easy to rig this for vacuum clamping.
I am very pleased with this. It looks plenty accurate, and the adjustable bits to allow greater accuracy are not even in place. I saw some funky looking rigs on youtube, and elsewhere on the web, to accomplish the same result. This ended up being much simpler than I expected. I like how compact this is.
When this is finished, the radius will be fully adjustable.
Any ideas or critique would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers! and thanks to you all..
Last edited: