Finger guard on 1932 National Duolians

[glcalahan]

Hello,

First post here... previously a lurker. I have been incredibly fortunate to have acquired a 1931 National Style O and a 1932 National Duolian in the month of July! I feel as tho I have won the lottery! However, the Duolian was powder coated with auto paint by someone who did a great job but it had to go. I have removed the powder coat and hoped to get a Duco paint job by Rick at B-Fanatic. The hand/finger guard was detached on one side and than detached on the second side. It was obvious someone used a small dab of JB Wield. My question is how were these originaly attached in the factory? I would like to have it fixed correctly.

Kind regards,

Gary

[snakehips]

Hi there !

If you are sending the guitar to Rick, i am sure he will be able to fix back on the handrest for you.
I believe they were soldered on.

[glcalahan]

Thank you! I in still in that "funding" stage. If I can be patient enough (or sell the Hot Rod Tri I have to sell)...I will have it painted. I have talked with Rick and that is the game plan. However, BIG problem is I am not known for my patience! I want to play it!!! It is after all an 82 year old instrument. I dream of Frosted Gold or Silver Duco tho!!

Regards,

Gary

[rbe]

Gary,
It is soldered. I think it is silver solder, but you could use plumbing solder. Just use the lead-free stuff. You need to clean it real well. It is a lot like sweating copper plumbing, if you have ever done that. Good luck.

[glcalahan]

Thank you all!

That is exactly the information I was looking for and yes I have,
over the years used silver solder and also sweated in copper pipe!

Great!

Gary

[tonydone]

I would have guessed soft solder, because the body joints were soft-soldered on the early-30s Style O I repaired, and I can't imagine them using something different for the bridge cover. I've also read how bodies were liable to fall apart from friction heat caused by over-zealous buffing. In any event soft solder would be plenty strong enough with those big contact surfaces.

[glcalahan]

Mornin'!

I may have to do some research on types and resources for 'soft' solder. Interesting the rubbing too hard may soften up solder.....certainly won't be polishing hard and fast!! ; )

Off to the Google/Dogpile search bar!!

Thanks again! This is a project I won't take on until I have all options/process organized in my head.

[resonatorman]

The bodies are definitely soft-soldered - I took one apart
Don't know about the handrest for sure though, but I bet they are soft-soldered too. I'm with tonydone here.

[glcalahan]

Hello,

What I am thinking is 50% Tin/50% Lead solder since it's steel with brown paste flux. Heating slowly, just enough to do the job.

Opinions??

Gary
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