Is there any special consideration I need to be aware of before attempting to install a 5th string spike in my Richlite fretboard?
I'll probably just do the 7th fret.
Thanks for all your help!
Big fan of railroad spikes here!
Perhaps a pilot hole is in order.
I do it frequently. As Richlite doesn't compress the same as wood, the pilot hole will have to be bigger. With the spikes I use, I drill a .035" hole in Richlite. Wood fretboards usually get a .032" hole.
Bob Smakula
quote:
Originally posted by Bob SmakulaI do it frequently. As Richlite doesn't compress the same as wood, the pilot hole will have to be bigger. With the spikes I use, I drill a .035" hole in Richlite. Wood fretboards usually get a .032" hole.
Bob Smakula
Thanks Bob, what spikes do you use?
Good luck Banjercat!
Is Richlite the same material on the RK-80 fretboard? If so there is no problem installing spikes in.
quote:
Originally posted by BanjercatThanks Bob, what spikes do you use?
I buy my spikes from Micro Engineering. I buy many thousands at a time and package them in bags of 10 and 100 to resell to folks that don't need to buy a large amount. I sell bag of 10 for $1 and 100 for $5.
Bob Smakula
Edited by - Bob Smakula on 07/05/2022 04:17:49
quote:
Originally posted by Bob Smakulaquote:
Originally posted by BanjercatThanks Bob, what spikes do you use?
I buy my spikes from Micro Engineering. I buy many thousands at a time and package them in bags of 10 and 100 to resell to folks that don't need to buy a large amount. I sell bag of 10 for $1 and 100 for $5.
Bob Smakula
Sounds good Bob. I don't seem to have that bit. Got a 0.030 and an 0.0355. I'd take a pack of spikes from you if I could find the right bit. Stewmac wants $33.00 plus shipping for their recommended bits.
quote:
Originally posted by Bob SmakulaI do it frequently. As Richlite doesn't compress the same as wood, the pilot hole will have to be bigger. With the spikes I use, I drill a .035" hole in Richlite. Wood fretboards usually get a .032" hole.
Bob Smakula
Bob, That Richlite is hard stuff! I bet it is a booger to fret and such?
I measured the spikes you so very kindly sent me @ 0.034 so I tried an 0.032 pilot hole , bent the spike. I managed to remove it and drilled to 0.035 as you suggested. That felt a bit loose but I installed the spike with a drop of superglue and it seems to be holding. I think I got the pilot hole a bit too deep too but this is my first attempt. Do you think an 0.033 pilot hole would work in this stuff? or possibly 0.034? I am used to smaller holes in regular wood for pilot holes, this stuff is a different animal although I must admit I like the look and feel of it while playing quite a bit.
Edited by - Banjercat on 07/11/2022 18:44:05
Banjercat did you file a sharp little point at the spike? If not, then spike snags as it's on its way down the hole and bending happens.
quote:
Originally posted by Bart VeermanBanjercat did you file a sharp little point at the spike? If not, then spike snags as it's on its way down the hole and bending happens.
Bart. Actually I cut the point off and filed it flat as some video I saw recommend to prevent splitting, don't think I'll do that again !!! Now that i think about it, The Dotson video did show him cutting the spike at an acute angle. Thanks for the tip. I've 3 more to do yet!
Success! Finished the banjo I started yesterday and put spikes in my Walnut Tradesman this morning. Wound up using spikes I found I already had as the new ones I got recently seem to bend really easily.
Thanks everyone for the tips and encouragement. !!! Banjo hangout is really an awesome thing to be a part of!
Edited by - Banjercat on 07/12/2022 09:18:17
quote:
Originally posted by Banjercatquote:
Originally posted by Bart VeermanBanjercat did you file a sharp little point at the spike? If not, then spike snags as it's on its way down the hole and bending happens.
Bart. Actually I cut the point off and filed it flat as some video I saw recommend to prevent splitting, don't think I'll do that again !!! Now that i think about it, The Dotson video did show him cutting the spike at an acute angle. Thanks for the tip. I've 3 more to do yet!
PS; So sorry to hear you have retired from bridge making Bart! You make some darn fine ones! I love mine! I get it though. Enjoy yourself sir!!!
quote:
Originally posted by Banjercatquote:
Originally posted by Banjercatquote:
Originally posted by Bart VeermanBanjercat did you file a sharp little point at the spike? If not, then spike snags as it's on its way down the hole and bending happens.
Bart. Actually I cut the point off and filed it flat as some video I saw recommend to prevent splitting, don't think I'll do that again !!! Now that i think about it, The Dotson video did show him cutting the spike at an acute angle. Thanks for the tip. I've 3 more to do yet!
PS; So sorry to hear you have retired from bridge making Bart! You make some darn fine ones! I love mine! I get it though. Enjoy yourself sir!!!
More time to spend with my granddaughter now 
Thanks for the thumbs up for my bridges 
