I built this for
@PhilKing some years ago to match a full size SG style
It's fun, but I went for a mandolin scale length of 14 1/4", which is especially tight with all 12 strings
So we have decided to extend the scale, which will involve a new fretboard and the bridge moving back a bit.
First step, iron off the fretboard
An old kitchen knife and domestic iron gets us there in about 15 minutes.
I've made a laser cut template with an increased 16 1/2" scale length
That will obviously give less frets, but much more usable spacing
The bridge will need moving back to match. This shows the new spacing.
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but it is certainly useful, its marked out 4 fretboards this afternoon, none of which are standard scale lengths. This one is on the right.
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Can the laser cut the actual slots the right width as well or is it really only being used for marking?
If I did cut them to an accurate width there is a risk of weakened charred edges to the fret slots, if I cut them to accurate depth the settings would be different for every piece of wood. Better to just score a line and finish off with a saw, it only takes a few minutes to get them correct.
I could also cut the boards out, but again prefer to trim with bandsaw and plane to the engraved line
none of these 4 boards were standard scale lengths
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I use an old kitchen knife as I find it works better than the proper seam separation knife I used to use, although i often start it off with that.
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