Repair Forum

[Ben-Had]

Anyone know of a repair forum like this? I want to learn more about taking these apart now that I'm gaining knowledge on putting them together. I could use some tips. Thanks.

Tim B

[darren]

I would guess that John knows the solution to any problem you have...

[tippie53]

what do you need to know ? I will be adding a repair and scratch building forum soon . Keep watching

[Ben-Had]

I'd like to learn how to do more of my own repairs. But for starters I'd like to know how to fix this cracked back brace, closest to the block.

[tippie53]

that is a nasty break . You have to work glue into the brake and clamp it. Getting this clamped will be a toughie . I would dry fit the crack before gluing to see the mechanics of my technique. Often you have to make your own tooling and clamps.
One way to clamp this is to use a "golf club". This is a tool that will look like the golf club and you can manipulate the handle it will work like a cam action.

[Ben-Had]

Thanks John. It is a nasty crack, probably worse than it looks in the picture. At least I was thinking along the same line as you were. I've been trying to think how to do it. I was thinking of using CA. Putting a mini turnbuckle brace jack on the inside and brace across the outside cam clamped for support. Wick in the CA then tighten the turnbuckle.

I've also seen little jacks that are controlled by a cable that turns the jack up but I forgot what they're called and can't find one. Where would I find the type you mentioned?

Thanks for your response.

Tim B

[tippie53]

Keep things simple. The small turn buckle or machinist jacks are great. Don't forget wedge blocks. If it gets things tite it will work.. Ina worse case scenario you take out the brace and replace

[Ben-Had]

I've purchased this for use - 1.5 to 2.3" tall. I'll fabricate some teflon cauls to make up any difference needed.

[Ken Hundley]

I like it! Harbor Frieght?

[Ben-Had]

I like it! Harbor Frieght?

I tried to find it at Harbor Freight, Northern Tool and a couple others I could think of with no luck. Finally found it at littlemachineshop.com. I found a bunch of others that were 3" collapsed and 4" extended but thought that 3" might be too tall between some locations on some guitars. I think it was about $13 plus shipping.