Grain direction

[Kenny Wiebusch]

Any thoughts on best grain direction for a martin style bridge. Grain parallel to the top ? Perpendicular? 45*? It seems parallel would be the strongest.

[John Parchem]

I like close to perpendicular. I think of the bridge as an important longitudinal brace, I like the increased longitudinal stiffness with grain running the length of the bridge.

[Dave Bagwill]

What John said +1

[Kenny Wiebusch]

I see what you are saying. I guess I was thinking more about bridge failure or splitting.

[Kenny Wiebusch]

So i was making a couple of bridges. i finally figured out a way to cut a clean slot however I cut through the blank. Is it still usable or do you think it would be too
weak?

[John Parchem]

So i was making a couple of bridges. i finally figured out a way to cut a clean slot however I cut through the blank. Is it still usable or do you think it would be too
weak?

Make a strip of wood to fill the slot to the correct depth. If the strip is sized OK you can glue it in and the blank is as good as new.

[Herman]

The bridges I used had up to 45 degrees. Some of them. None splitted up to this day. Just use proper dense wood.
I know someone (I forget who) cuts right through the blank and lets the saddle rest on the spruce top.
Well, I do not know if this works though the years. But letting the saddle rest on a bit of handwood is a good practise imo. So if in doubt, loose the blank. again imo.
Herman