Source for material for fingerboard dots

[Nick Payne]

Any suggestions for what I can use outside of obtaining some from a luthiers supplier? As one of my other interests is building up bicycles and I have lots and lots of spokes lying around, one thought I had was to use some short pieces of 2mm stainless steel spoke. Main problem is likely to be the hardness of the SS when it comes to getting it flush with the edge of the fingerboard.

[sebastiaan56]

Hi Nick,

I bought a set of punches from a $2 shop, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm etc. Work a treat with veneer or even up to 2mm thick offcuts. I want to try them on some picks as well.

[Mark McLean]

Nick
There was a discussion thread on this topic at the MIMF recently
Some really good ideas were put up. Here is the link. Check it out.

http://www.mimf.com/cgi-bin/WebX?128@11 ... @.2cb6881d

cheers

Mark

[kiwigeo]

Theres another thread where use of a gem cutters abrasive bit is mentioned. This bit would probably cut a nice disc out of shell material.

Me..I just buy my dots from one of my Aussie suppliers.

[Allen]

I've used some plastic knitting needle, that I picked up from the local St. Vinnies. Made some ebony dowel, that I inlaid. Used some exotic Japanes chop sticks. Used some bone from an old dog's bone my mate collects for me from his lawn before mowing.

I'm going to cut my own shell with some of the diamond drill's that Jim pointed out.

Shell dot's are really inexpensive from MOP Supplies. Aussie company, and I've had great service from them. Much better deal than the main stream luthier supply companies.

[Lillian]

Nick, I've seen silver and copper wire as well as brass rod used. You can even use tubing and fill it with rods. Knife makers use this technique for custom rivets. Epoxy fills in the spaces.

[DarwinStrings]

Even just straight epoxy. You can colour it with all sorts of things even make two tone swirly stuff or faux marble.

Jim

[Lillian]

This is what I was talking about.