Simple way of grinding brass to make bridge saddles on my Ollandoc?

[rmolsonguitars]

I am making brass bridge saddles and looking for any tricks of the
trade to grind the brass into a 14 inch radius.

Right now I have a dremel drill press stand with the dremel tool turned horizontal.
I am using a 1 1/2 inch cutoff blade and grinding on the side of it.
First I cut the brass rod to length then grind the ends round and put them in
my ebony bridge which replaced a tune o matic saddle. Next I hold the ebony
piece to the side of the cutoff wheel and grind the radius.
I am using a 1 1/2 inch cutoff blade and grinding on the side of it.

So have any ideas of making this job easier, faster or better?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Simple way of grinding brass to make bridge saddles on my Ollandoc?

All I can think of is to make a jig to hold the tool so it grinds to the right radius without having to continually check.

Oh, and a more powerful tool, and I guess a mockup of the slots that the brass will sit in so you are not using a finished product for manufacturing steps.

 

[Chris Pile]

Re: Simple way of grinding brass to make bridge saddles on my Ollandoc?

You are definitely doing it the hard way! Why are you using rod? If you start with flat brass stock you can make your fixtures and jigs much easier. So many ways to come at your problem - would take a long time to explain them all here.

 

[rmolsonguitars]

Re: Simple way of grinding brass to make bridge saddles on my Ollandoc?

You are definitely doing it the hard way! Why are you using rod? If you start with flat brass stock you can make your fixtures and jigs much easier. So many ways to come at your problem - would take a long time to explain them all here.

It is 1/8 square rod that I am using...

 

[rmolsonguitars]

Re: Simple way of grinding brass to make bridge saddles on my Ollandoc?

Thanks... I will be thinking about that jig. I did make a jig to hole the ebony tailpiece so it lines up with the fretboard. Those use to be a nightmare to line up.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Simple way of grinding brass to make bridge saddles on my Ollandoc?

Is this a new bridge setup that is part of that guitar kit??
And do they also come with that ebony T/p?

 

[rmolsonguitars]

Re: Simple way of grinding brass to make bridge saddles on my Ollandoc?

Is this a new bridge setup that is part of that guitar kit??
And do they also come with that ebony T/p?

No they don't come with the guitar kits but I could provide the ebony piece with the slots and a piece of the brass.
Yes they come with an ebony tailpiece.