Brass Side Markers?

[naccoachbob]

I have some 1/8" brass rods from a hobby store, and thought about using them as fret markers on the side of the ebony fret board.
First, what's a good saw for these? I want to cut them about 1/8" long.
Second, anyone have any idea how I can polish the faces? I'd like to have them shiny.
If it turns out to be more worry than it's worth, I'll use 3mm gold mop.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Bob

[B. Howard]

I have been doing that for a while, I use brazing rod. I drill my holes, glue the rod in and cut it off with my flush cut pliers one hole at a time. I do this rather than try and cut a bunch of little pieces and deal with them. To make them flush and polish them up I use my file block that I use to dress off my fret ends.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Bob, install them just like Brian said. Brass is very soft and sands easily. Use two or three grits of paper up to about 400 to sand them flush with your board, then use 0000 steel wool to polish. If you have all the sanding marks off, they will shine nicely under the finish. Don't use any polishing compound if you are afraid of it getting into wood grain.
1/8" might look a little big on the sides, 3/32 or even 1/16" might look more in proportion, but use what you have and it will be fine.

Kevin

[penndan]

I've used aluminum rod for side markers in a couple of banjo necks. Looks like silver.
Installed just like Brian describes.
Dan

[ruby@magpage.com]

I have used sterling silver. I just put some CA glue in the hole, stick the "wire" in the hole and nip off, then move down the line. It stays shiny under the finish.

Ed