When Straightedges Go Bad!
Jun 18th, 2009 by Doug Berch
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Doug Berch
Musician and Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer Maker
Glad you solved the mystery before your dulcimer was ruined. That would never have occurred to me to check the flatness of the steel straightedge. Now I know!
Thanks Kari. It is a mystery how it warped but I’m glad I figured it out when I did!
Some good has come from the experience though; I have a #4 and #5 1/4 plane that I know are very flat and true and I tried my hand at planing the fretboards and skipping the sanding. It worked very well, at least on clear, quartered walnut. The sole of the planes provided the “straightedge” and anytime I can avoid sanding I am happy!
Doug… if memory serves, the best straightedge for gauging is one lacking any measurement markings. I think it’s the stampings that contribute to the loss of the edge over time, what with expansion and contraction. That’s a memory dug up from, oh, around 30 years past!
Gary
Hi Gary,
Thanks for the tip. Makes sense that graduations could cause stress or weakness. This straightedge didn’t have them. It was made by a reputable maker and is only a few years old so I may give them a call and see if they have any ideas.
The Moxon disc arrived quickly. I’ve been too busy to check it out but I am looking forward to it!
Doug
Yup. I would think the maker should replace it. A non-straight straight-edge is not worth very much!
Gary
Hmmmm, one of many things to consider when looking for an instrument. Does every luthier take these things into consideration or are this exact? Me thinks not.
Then again, what do I know?
Thanks for the kind words, Vickie!