Author Topic: Replacing Inlays (Read 2171 times)

indysmith · « **on:** April 15, 2007, 03:31:27 PM »

Hey guys - I'm making a 1962 strat replica. I've got this; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130096267207
but it's got white inlays and i want clay coloured ones.

How would i go about removing plastic inlays from a rosewood fretboard, to put clay ones in? It seems like quite a difficult job. unless you just put like anti-glue stuff on it and watch the inlays fall out but i doubt that's the case. It's probably not worht the effort; and in that case, does anyone have any idea of what i could use to dye or stain the white inlays a clay colour?

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2007, 03:37:01 PM »

I think you need to drill them out - Feline would be the best guy to ask.

:twisted:

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2007, 05:49:38 PM »

Ok - anoraks on (tech talk coming up)

Yeah - they will need to be drilled out

I would use a 6mm brad point bit (wood drill with a centre spike and pointy spikes at the tips of the drill bit. To be very accurate to an old fender - use a 1/4"

http://www.morriswoodtool.com/ToolTips.htm

Finding the clay inlay dots is the hard bit
Here is a link to a company doing them in the USAhttp://http://www.dguitarparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DGP&Product_Code=AP-487

WezV · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2007, 08:14:30 AM »

I find its sometimes better to use a smaller drill bit through the middle of the dot. The torque from the drill will normally free the dot and it falls straight out. If it doesnt come out it can easily be prized out with a small screwdriver without damaging the fretboard

When drilling with the 6mm / 1/4" drill you need to be very accurate on the centre of the dot to not damage the fretboard - i think my way is a bit more idiot proof

Here are some pretend clay dots from the uk:

http://www.allparts.uk.com/catalogue/product_info.php?cPath=91007_91072&products_id=12135

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2007, 01:19:38 PM »

Yeah - good call Wez - have found that works myself

The other way is good if putting into a blank fingerboard- but think your way is beter for replacing

indysmith · « **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2007, 01:21:51 PM »

AWESOME - thanks guys. this doesn't sound too hard at all. I'll let you knwo how it works out (or doesn't)