How to use a bridge clamp

[JohnM2001]

Di you need two of these to glue a bridge on a guitar?   What does the bottom jaw rest on inside the guitar, the bridgeplate?  Thinking of getting one (or more if needed) to glue back bridges on beaters, for the most part.  Can anyone offer tips on what I'll need for tools and procedures, assuming I have the old bridge off, and all old glue has been removed from both bridge & guitar top?  Thanks

[rrgguitarman]

This might help?

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Bridges/1/Sloane_Bridge_Clamp/Pictures.html#details

[unclrob]

Get 3 altogether.The bottom bees a little more of a lip,you can epoxy a small half inch tall piece of wood on to it.On the bridge side cut 3 pieces of wood fo the clamp to be screwed down on,1 for each wing and alittle larger one for the saddle/pin area.Keep a pair of string pins for easy location locks,I use the 2 "E's" spot for this.If you need help feel free to call.

[rrgguitarman]

Get 3 altogether.The bottom bees a little more of a lip,you can epoxy a small half inch tall piece of wood on to it.On the bridge side cut 3 pieces of wood fo the clamp to be screwed down on,1 for each wing and alittle larger one for the saddle/pin area.Keep a pair of string pins for easy location locks,I use the 2 "E's" spot for this.If you need help feel free to call.

Rob, you are the man! Your contribution to this Forum and away from this Forum is beyond words. 

[unclrob]

Always glad to help.


Now if I could only learn how to type,spell and remember to use spell check.

[JohnM2001]

Get 3 altogether.The bottom bees a little more of a lip,you can epoxy a small half inch tall piece of wood on to it.On the bridge side cut 3 pieces of wood fo the clamp to be screwed down on,1 for each wing and alittle larger one for the saddle/pin area.Keep a pair of string pins for easy location locks,I use the 2 "E's" spot for this.If you need help feel free to call.

The bottom needs a little more of a lip?   Do you mean the bottom jaw needs to be built up with a 1/2 inch piece of wood?  Seems like a design flaw, why not just build it into the clamp? 

Is the extra 1/2 piece of wood you mention needed to build up te lower clamp jaw so it clears the braces inside, and extends the jaw up the the bridgeplate?  I wish someone had a schematic of how it looks from the side, so I could visualize how the clamp arrangement works.

[unclrob]

The extra wood helps get me a nice level clamping.Most tools used for guitar work came from somewhere else in wood working.I have some thinner bridge clamps that have adjusters on both halfs.I wish I had better computer knowledge to post a drawing or pix of my other clamps.


Is the extra 1/2 piece of wood you mention needed to build up te lower clamp jaw so it clears the braces inside, and extends the jaw up the the bridgeplate? YES.

[JohnM2001]

Thanks Rob, I just had a mental block, trying to realize how the clamp could possibly be level, since the one shown above does not have an extension to the lower lip.  Having a clamp with an adjustable lower lip would be a great idea, and thats what adding the wood onto it would do.