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Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

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Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

#1

Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

Brad in Ottawa

>I picked up an as is brass and ebony mortising gauge for a real sweet price. It really isn't a functional gauge but more of a kit. But being able to see it's potential and to put another project in the way of any woodworking appealed to me.

I have two problems. The first is that it seems that a previous owner already repaired it after a chunk of ebony went missing. (Probaby after dropping it one too many times.) This meant making another hole in the ebony to mount the decorative brass strip and locking mechanism. But due to age and I am sure their zeal the screws have been tightened beyond belief. Not only here but on the pin adjustments on the brass bar as well.

I have tried spraying some WD-40 but no luck. I could saw/drill the screws out of the ebony but am at a loss as to what to do with the adjustment screws on the brass arm.

The second problem, anyone know where I can find a chunk of ebony (any type will do) 1 1/4"thick by 2 3/4" wide by 2 1/4"? Trying to avoid buying a big hunk when I only want a little bit.

Thanks!

Brad

Re: Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

#2

Jim in Burlington Ont.

Little heat

Jim in Burlington On

>You can heat the screw's a little. Mine main arm screw was really stuck and a little heat and a Z shaped screwdriver did the trick. Exotic woods in Burlington sell's small pieces of Ebony they do ship but hold onto your wallet. Personally I'd just put it up to look at there's alot of nice rosewood and ebony gages in mint shape on e-bay.

Re: Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

#3

Re: Little heat

Stephen Shepherd in the State of Deseret

>Put it in the freezer and cool the whole thing down then apply the heat just to the screw. A soldering iron or copper will put the heat on the screw. If that doesn't work try the other extreme.

Warm up the whole thing taking care not to catch it on fire, then use butane or other compressed gas to cool the screw. Use caution with flamable gas.

Good luck

Stephen

Re: Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

#4

Re: Little heat

ThomD

>Heat from a soldering gun. A lot of the guitar guys won't touch a fret or screw without a little heat. you never know what a person used to bed the screws. I wouldn't subject the wood to extremes though.

Re: Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

#5

Re: Stuck Screws - Pimping a gauge

Ernie Miller

>might try looking on eBay for the wood I thought I had some but it was teak not what you were looking for the only Ebony is Piano keys and they will be to small

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