Steel Guitar Builder

Gene Fields too said that the expansion co-efficient of aluminum was too much and would alter the tuning. I think stainless is your best bet but steel also would work. That just my opinion.
LaVern

Hi All, Before I retired most people that had already retired would say, "How did I ever manage to go to work for eight hours a day, and still get anything done at home, meaning they are busier than they were when they worked. For me that is so true. I try to check in here every couple of days but w...

Yes I have read that old posting, but I still don't see where you can buy 7/64 stainless steel rod. No local, or internet listing that I see. Several folks have mentioned welding shops but the last time i went to the welding shop I use, they said they do not make a stainless steel welding rod in 7/6...

Yes, 3/32, 1/8,......but I can't find 7/64 in stainless. I have some of the 3/32 & 1/8 but it is not the correct diameter for a 4-40 thread. I did find 7/64 W-1 tool steel which is not stainless and that is from McMaster-Carr ......but I suppose it would work. It would have different rates of expans...

Let's bring this to the top for a while. You folks mention using 7/64 welding rod. Where the heck do you find it. I've tried my local welding supply stores and all the carry is 3/32 and 1/8. They don't carry 7/64 in any type of material much less stainless. Thanks for you help and information.
Lavern

Hello Sam and welcome to the forum. There hasn't been a lot of activity here of late but like myself, I think there will be people wanting pictures and details on your build. You won't find a better bunch of folks willing to share their knowledge with others. Glad you're here and welcome again!! LaV...

JanO,
Very, very nice!!

LaVern

I don't want to open a can of worms either but as far as I'm concerned as a person who has purchased several, but not built any pedal steels, a guitar with an easily changed copedent is worth a great deal more than a guitar with a fixed copedent. That being said I also realize that to make a guitar ...

LaVern, Wow GFI used 5/16" aluminum ? That should be good enough proof that alu is strong enough. Do they also have a post in the middle of a long cross shaft?(or a rail maybe) This is important since there is a wee bit of flexing when activating a knee lever. I feel a marked difference in the KL w...

5/16 steel is ok but overkill IMHO. Too heavy for one thing. I use 3/8" aluminum which I find to be adequate. I do use support posts in the middle so they don't flex when activated. Bent, I have to agree with you on that. I wonder if the main reason the manufacturers go with steel is that they thin...