12 String Lap Steel project

[DrByte]

Hello all! I'm new here but I've read every message and reply before joining/posting. (Lots of great builds/posts here!) Have not found anything to help thus far. Hope somebody out there can. I'm in the process of building a 12 string lap steel, approx. 4.5" wide Maple neck on a Cherry base. I'm looking for sources for two things: 12 string, stepped aluminum key-head, cast or milled. I can find a 10 but no twelve. Has anyone here ever added tuner positions to a smaller one they had? Anybody know of a source? I could also use a 12 string key-less tuner module instead of machine head to cut down on the length of this beast. I have a lathe but no mill and making this item would be too labor intensive I think for this project. I may have to stay with machine head if I can find 12 position with 3/8" or 9-10 mm string spacing. Thanks for any and all help that could be given.

[pastor bruce kiser]

Hi friend,
Your idea sonuds good . Just something to think about-- if you
really want to make it (keyless setup) for you steel you most
likely can - just a little more time . I have seen some keyless
arrangements made from aluminum bar stock & screws that only
involved cutting lengths , drilling , and tapping .No mill needed
for these operations - just careful measuring and mayby a well
thoughy-out jig or two for consistency . My steels are made by
hand as much as possible -not that mills etc . are bad - I just
like the work without the extra learning curve . As you can see
on my "little classic" and 'blueboy" even hardwood can be used to fashion a nice keyhead and I've had no trouble at all either
holding tuning or playability.Just has to be fastened down good .
You can see these in topic "need your opinion" - sorry , don't know
how to reference articles any other way. Can't wait to see pics!
Enjoy the build - if it's YOUR steel YOU set the limits!
Pastor Bruce

[Dave-M]

Here are some links you might require. Mac's double changer is pull-release with built-in keyless tuner.

How To Use BBCode

Pastor's Steels

Mac's Double Changer