when to glue on the bridge

[tim crain 54]

I did some searches and looked at other post but didn't find what I was looking for so if this has been covered before I apologize in advance. Most of the material that I have read has the builder cutting a tape "mask" of the bridge, placing the mask in the bridge location on the top, spraying the finish, rubbing out then carefully cutting around the mask and removing it so that the bridge can be glued on to bare wood after the guitar is finished. This is the direction I am planning on taking unless someone has a different approach. Thanks in advance for the help, Tim

[ken cierp]

Mask or scrape (factories use a CNC Machine) -- you won't enjoy leveling and polishing with the bridge in place.

[Jackspt28]

I just did mine a new way that worked really well.

1- Finish and buff guitar body ( I used a lacquer finish)
2- tape out bridge location area with masking tape
3-locate bridge and trace around bridge
4- cut through finish 1/16'' inside tracing with xacto knife and remove masking tape in that area
5-tape another layer of tape and poster board around cut (this will protect the guitar finish from heat)
6-Heat finish (heat gun) at bridge area and work a very sharp chisel under the finish
7-once started the finish can be peeled away almost like a sticker.
8-Heat very carefully a little at a time as you peel the finish away
Picture below: