I'm about to build a license plate guitar and have a couple of questions.
I see that some use glue to fasten the plate to the top of the box, in addition to the 4 screws in the provided holes. What is a preferable type of glue to use? Would Titebond or equal work, or should I use something different for a metal to wood adhesion?
If I want to cut a hole on the face of the plate, is it easier to use nibblers (Radio shack or equal), or to drill holes around the inside perimeter and carefully file to the opening?
Thanks.
Replies
I didn't use any glue on my license plate git. Also no sound holes in the plate or the box on mine, but I have thought about drilling a hole or two in the top side perimeter of the box (wall), not the plate.
Any brittle glue is not likely to produce a lasting bond between metal and wood. Maybe an epoxy, but that would depend on type. I would think (but haven't tried it) that silicone or a more elastic adhesive would dampen the resonance of the plate.
Just my thoughts.
i've made a handful of licence plate builds over the last few years but never used glue on the plate.
there's a few picture of the build process i used here: http://handmademusicclubhouse.com/profiles/blogs/utah-plate-build
good luck with the guitar
The glue/silcone is used more as a gasket, then for adherence. I also use 1" screws, screwed into mounted blocks on the inside too fasten the plate tight. When I cut the hole in the top of mine, I use metal snipper, then filed to size from there.
One thing to consider if using glue, it is fairly permanent and can make changes or service to the volume pot (if using them) difficult.