How to install bridge inserts?

[LushTone]

I have a Hipshot contour bridge and rout in my Warmoth body and I need to know how to install the inserts. It's a 2-point style bridge. I imagine the inserts are meant to be either hammered or pressed in. If anyone has tips for this process I'd appreciate it!

 

[bagman67]

Three things -


1.  Is the body already painted?  If so, consider filing or sanding just the very tiniest bit off the edge of the insert holes so you will be less likely to make the finish bubble or flake.  I forced in an string ferrule in a painted body and despite not having struck or even touched the body, it created the a tiny bubble under the paint.


2.  If you have access to a a sufficiently deep-throated arbor press (get your mind out of the gutter) or a drill press you can do this with much less risk of blemishing the body than by pounding.  You could also use a deep clamp with a cushioned caul to protect the body.


3.  If you must use a hammer, use a deadblow hammer to reduce the likelihood of your hammer bouncing and then blemishing your body.

 

[Surf n Music n Ski n Bike]

Hahah Bagman said deep-throated  :laughing3:

But seriously good points  :icon_thumright:

 

[LushTone]

Three things -


1.  Is the body already painted?  If so, consider filing or sanding just the very tiniest bit off the edge of the insert holes so you will be less likely to make the finish bubble or flake.  I forced in an string ferrule in a painted body and despite not having struck or even touched the body, it created the a tiny bubble under the paint.


2.  If you have access to a a sufficiently deep-throated arbor press (get your mind out of the gutter) or a drill press you can do this with much less risk of blemishing the body than by pounding.  You could also use a deep clamp with a cushioned caul to protect the body.


3.  If you must use a hammer, use a deadblow hammer to reduce the likelihood of your hammer bouncing and then blemishing your body.

Oh ok that makes sense. So a rubber ended mallet would work okay then?

Thanks for the input! ccasion14:

 

[bagman67]

Not just a rubber mallet - a dead blow hammer;


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_blow_hammer


They're cheapity cheap at any hardware store.


http://www.harborfreight.com/1-lb-neon-orange-dead-blow-hammer-41796.html

 

[stratamania]

Stud install, if you don't have a drill press that's large enough this is how I did it.

http://unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=22445.msg332875#msg332875

Additionally go slowly and take your time. Lighter taps will take longer but a hefty whack is a no no.

 

[LushTone]

Not just a rubber mallet - a dead blow hammer;


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_blow_hammer


They're cheapity cheap at any hardware store.


http://www.harborfreight.com/1-lb-neon-orange-dead-blow-hammer-41796.html

Oh ok, I'll look into that one!

 

[LushTone]

Stud install, if you don't have a drill press that's large enough this is how I did it.

http://unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=22445.msg332875#msg332875

Additionally go slowly and take your time. Lighter taps will take longer but a hefty whack is a no no.

Ok awesome  ccasion14:

 

[stratamania]

Stud install, if you don't have a drill press that's large enough this is how I did it.

http://unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=22445.msg332875#msg332875

Additionally go slowly and take your time. Lighter taps will take longer but a hefty whack is a no no.

Ok awesome  ccasion14:

Your welcome...

 

[Jumble Jumble]

On the two guitars I've done this on I used the somewhat ghetto method of putting a screw in the insert, tapping it in a little, then laying a thick leather belt over it and hammering it in properly. Worked fine both times - better on the showcase body where the holes were drilled after finishing.