Aluminum Radius-sanding Beam

Finally bit the bullet and bought the 12 inch radius beam. Although pricey, I will say that it is an outstanding tool and extremely well made. Another example to show that even if expensive, it will be inexpensive in the long run and makes my guitar making easier and more precise.

The sanding beam is a heavy tool thats doing his job. Unfortunately there was a little transport damage. Nothing big, but I think the packing is a little unstable for overseas-shipping for such a delicate instrument.

I've bought some tools now from Stewmac. The overall quality is good but not ecxellent. You get a better quality when you buy in a german DIY store. Honestly, what really wins are the great tool ideas, but the quality aspect is holding me back to buy some other stuff, that I don't need right know.

Indispensable tool for fingerboard and frets leveling for no-buzz low string action. Forget the radius wood blocks!

excellent tool but when working on a fingerboard radius ,you must make a jig ,that wont let you move from right to left while sanding.THIS IS A MUST!!!!!

Great tool. Accurate work is much easier.

I purchased the beam some years ago and have used it constantly ever since. It produces a very accurate camber for the fingerboad and can also be used to level the frets. I also use the flat side of the beam for sanding flat tops on solid guitars and for fret leveling. I find the more accurate the camber is made on the fingerboard the easier it is to get the frets right with a minimum of leveling/re crowning and this beam is excellent for this purpose. To get the camber accurate and at right angles to the axis of the fingerboard I put the beam between 2 rails and mark out the centre line. The blank then is held centrally between the rails and the beam runs between them giving an accurate camber. Pressing the frets solidly against the camber then produces a very even set of frets requiring minimal leveling.

This is a great tool, I can't say how well it's made. It does not flex whatsoever when putting the radius on fretboards, also it makes for a great leveler of frets.

WE HAVE SEVERAL (16") THAT WE USE FOR OUR BASS PRODUCTION....MOSTLY TO TRUE UP THE NECK, AFTER IT HAS BEEN MACHINE RADIUSED. WE WILL ADD A FEW MORE (14") W/ THE REINTRODUCTION OF OUR GUITAR LINE. THE LESS EXPENSIVE WOOD VERSION IS PROBABLY THE BETTER CHOISE, UNLESS YOU ARE MAKING LOTS OF GUITARS.

Sanding beams are the smartest tool you can use on a guitar. they turn a tricky and boring job to something easy and funny. level the fingerboard, clamp the frets for glue-in and fret leveling with the same beam is the clever thing you can do to insure the best results in a refret job. since i got them i almost don't even need to level the frets.

how could i live without it?

Really good tool that will last for life. Forget saving a little money on a wooden one.