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Steel Repair work surfaces? (Page 2)
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The Steel Guitar Forum
Pedal Steel Archive
Steel Repair work surfaces? (Page 2)
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| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Pedal Steel |
| Author | Topic: Steel Repair work surfaces? |
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Jake Doell Member Posts: 75 |
posted 30 December 2001 12:05 AM
Do any of you steelers that do your own adjusting and maintenance have a suggestion for an apartment dweller in need of a work surface for steel repairs.I'm getting too old for laying on my back on the floor and can't do my own oil changes either.(on the car that is).Thanks Jake Doell |
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Tim Rowley Member Posts: 957 |
posted 30 December 2001 12:35 AM
I don't know how cramped your apartment is, but as long as you have a solid kitchen table with a decent light over it, you can get a couple of thick old bath towels (the larger the better) or a piece of very short nap rubber-backed carpet and lay it on the kitchen table to make a suitable work surface. Some folks stand the guitar up on end (keyhead end down) with legs and pedalbar attached while making adjustments. Many times most of the work can be done with the guitar upside down in the case. Tim R. |
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richard burton Member Posts: 1337 |
posted 30 December 2001 03:19 AM
Put the guitar in the case to work on it. In my opinion it is madness to let the weight of the steel rest on the changer, with the distinct possibilty that the strings will put grooves in the changer fingers. |
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Jack Stoner Sysop Posts: 8119 |
posted 30 December 2001 03:32 AM
Get a piece of heavy foam (only needs to be an inch or so thick) the size of the guitar. Put it on a table then set the steel down on that. That's what Mr. Franklin does when he works on a steel. There is a 1" (covered) pad in the bottom of my Franklin case and that's what it's sat on, in the case, for 19 years and hasn't hurt it or scratched anything yet. |
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Dave Robbins Member Posts: 718 |
posted 30 December 2001 06:31 AM
In my music room, where I do all my practicing, I have a work bench specifically for working on my guitar that is very close to the spot where I set up. I purchased the inexpensive white pine work bench from a near by Home Depot. I found that since I'm lifting it up and down many times when working out new changes, it was a bit too high to lift my steel easily. So, I cut the heigth of it down to a heigth that would allow me to set the steel up there with a minimum of effort and with out having to lift it very high. I also have a couple of foldable stools that I can sit on while working too. I have all of my tools, which pertain to the steel, within arms reach, including a electric screwdriver, soldering gun, etc. Something else I did was to cover the bench with a grey colored indoor/outdoor carpet, similar to what you'd find in the cargo area of a station wagon, van, etc. This makes for a nice surface that isn't harmful to the finish of my steels and can be easily vacuumed. Neither does the carpet show stains. The bench also has a storage shelf underneath. I also added a power strip, too. It is nice to have the bench close by so that if I should have a problem or want to change the setup I don't have to go to another location to do it. It is great for setting up my guitar, too. Just set the case on it and set it up, then stow the case in a nearby closet. All can be done while I listen to the stereo to get me familiar with new licks or arrangements. The bench is only 47" long by 221/2" wide, you put it together yourself and could be made smaller with slight alterations, if need be, for cramp spaces. It also could have small casters mounted to the bottom for portability. Dave [This message was edited by Dave Robbins on 30 December 2001 at 06:36 AM.] |
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Jake Doell Member Posts: 75 |
posted 30 December 2001 11:00 AM
Thanks Guys. This will give me a lot of new ideas to try. Jake Doell |
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Palmer Member Posts: 120 |
posted 30 December 2001 06:38 PM
Get a 3/4"X12"X16" long,(2)2"X"4"X18" long. Cover one edge of both 2X4's with a soft cloth and nail them to the 3/4 board with a distance apart enough to clear the necks. You can set this in a chair with the guitar upside down. The peices nailed on edge will give you enough height to let you pick the strings and hear any adjustments you make. |
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Paul Brainard Member Posts: 241 |
posted 01 January 2002 01:01 PM
Tom Baker over at Sierra Guitars here in Portland has a platform he designed to hold a steel upside down so he can work on it and reach underneath to pluck the strings as needed. They sit on top of a workbench and are adjustable to fit any guitar. I know he's got a couple of them, not sure if he's ever made one for someone else, but I'm sure you could ask him about it if you're curious. He's a super nice & helpful guy. Their number is (503) 761-9632 |
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Tommy Mc Member Posts: 190 |
posted 01 January 2002 03:45 PM
I use my case, with some padded blocks under the steel, to raise it enough so the strings will play. Not ideal, but far better than the messy workbench down cellar! |
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