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Cleaning up bearing edges

Posts: 158 Threads: 52
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Just wanted to ask for some opinions/tips and tricks on cleaning up bearing edges. I’ve got some early 70s 3 ply Ludwigs that I’m refinishing. 12x15, 16x18, 14x24. I was thinking about taking some 80 grit (or even grittier) sand paper to the bearing edges and just cleaning them up a little bit. They don’t look terrible and I haven't checked them closely yet with the flashlight trick or anything, but they look like they could use some love. I’d then finish it off with a 120 then maybe a 100 grit paper and some wax. Is this something that’s commonly done when restoring an old kit? And if so, how do you guys usually treat your edges on newly acquired old drums?

The second part to my question is, what style of edges are these? (Pic below) They look slightly sharper than some other early 70s Ludwigs, but I’m not sure that’s true. I’m not very well versed on edges. I’d like the typical warm round sound out of these, so if I need to, I can put a little elbow grease in it and round them out a bit instead of just running over them. Is this something anyone has done before? I have watched a few videos and read up a little bit. If I do find that the edges are wavy and dipping here and there badly, Ive also heard I can take the shell to a flat surface covered in a gritty sand paper and just flatten them out and start all over.

Which leads me to my last question (I swear!). If I flatten them completely out, what’s a good way to go about rounding them back out by hand?

I’d rather not get them completely re cut. I’d also rather not have to flatten them out and I don’t think I will. But, at the very least I think they need a good once over. Thanks in advance for the replies!

Posted on 4 years ago
#1
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I find that 220 grit really smoothes out bearing edges and cleans them up, but doesn't alter them as far as angle or cut.

I haven't used anything coarser. I also have never done it on "good" drums. I've used it on MIJ and poplar entry and mid level drums. It always works well, though.

Posted on 4 years ago
#2
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Before you go messing with the edges, have you played the drums? If they tune easily and sound good then I wouldnt mess with them. If they are a problem, I would do the flashlight trick and see what comes up. Or, another trick is to put a drum head on and run your thumb around the edges firmly, and you will feel a dip or depression if there are any.

If that turns out well, just a super light sanding, clean up any dust and then some bearing edge conditioner from DrumDial would be about all I would do.

Posted on 4 years ago
#3
Posts: 771 Threads: 132
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From JimmySticks

Before you go messing with the edges, have you played the drums? If they tune easily and sound good then I wouldnt mess with them. If they are a problem, I would do the flashlight trick and see what comes up. Or, another trick is to put a drum head on and run your thumb around the edges firmly, and you will feel a dip or depression if there are any.If that turns out well, just a super light sanding, clean up any dust and then some bearing edge conditioner from DrumDial would be about all I would do.

220 super light sanding

Keep fixing them up...
Posted on 4 years ago
#4
Posts: 158 Threads: 52
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Thanks guys! I banged on them very beifely when I first got them. Didn’t tune them at all. They sounded alright, but the heads were old and again, I didn’t tune them a lick. I’ll definitely play them first before I do anything drastic. I will, however, at least give them a once over with some 220 and wax.

Posted on 4 years ago
#5
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226
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Update?

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 4 years ago
#6
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