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guitarmaker78
 Post subject: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 3:39 am 
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I’m considering using some zip flex abalone, but I am unsure if it is sandable.

On my first guitar, I had to sand the abalone, and I am unsure if the zip flex can be sanded or not.

If not, what is the technique for installing? Set it below the surface of the wood and sand the wood down even?
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martintaylor
 Post subject: Re: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 4:23 am 
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guitarmaker78 wrote:
I’m considering using some zip flex abalone, but I am unsure if it is sandable.

On my first guitar, I had to sand the abalone, and I am unsure if the zip flex can be sanded or not.

If not, what is the technique for installing? Set it below the surface of the wood and sand the wood down even?

Zipfkex is real she’ll so can be sanded. There is the same health risk so make sure you have adequate protection.


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SteveSmith
 Post subject: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:07 am 
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I try to install it as close to level with the wood surface as possible, just a few thousandths above, to minimize sanding but otherwise no issues. Image
Image
Image

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These users thanked the author SteveSmith for the post (total 3): Pmaj7 (Wed Dec 27, 2023 3:01 pm) • bcombs510 (Sun Dec 24, 2023 2:30 pm) • guitarmaker78 (Sun Dec 24, 2023 12:57 pm)
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guitarmaker78
 Post subject: Re: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 12:57 pm 
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SteveSmith wrote:
I try to install it as close to level with the wood surface as possible, just a few thousandths above, to minimize sanding but otherwise no issues. Image
Image
Image


Appreciate the feedback.


These users thanked the author guitarmaker78 for the post: Kbore (Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:21 pm)
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Kbore
 Post subject: Re: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 5:20 pm 
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The chatoyant part of the zip flex I used was thin on some sections. You want to do minimal sanding.

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jfmckenna
 Post subject: Re: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 8:13 pm 
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I've only used it twice but never had a problem sanding it. As mentioned keep your tolerance tight but I do that with regular abalone too
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dofthesea
 Post subject: Re: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:34 pm 
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If possible I try and have the Zipflex a few thousands lower and fill with CA glue. Sanding the zipflex makes me nervous

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guitarmaker78
 Post subject: Re: Sanding Zipflex
PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 3:42 am 
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dofthesea wrote:
If possible I try and have the Zipflex a few thousands lower and fill with CA glue. Sanding the zipflex makes me nervous


Sounds like a good strategy.
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