So, I have finally gotten around to working on my free '71-ish Ludwig School Festival. It desperately needed new bearing edges and snarebeds, and I'll be giving it a new finish as well (something clear, most likely).
My main question would be: do I put something on the edges? I can live with "naked" edges, but I'm not sure if they need some protection or something.
Thanks!
[More non-sense, no more questions:
I just finished the bottom edge, and hope to finish the top in the weekend, so I can finally try it out Monday. The aim is 30 degree with round over. The bottom has that now, and the top is already flattened out, so it only needs re-profiling. Should be possible in the weekend I think, even though I do everything by hand (and I will be spending one day working on a fence somewhere else).
You probably think I'm an idiot, doing it by hand on my first time, but I prefer to take it slow and be in full control. I don't feel like being in full control when attacking this shell with a power tool. At least not for such detailed jobs as a bearing edge or snarebed.
I decided to try it myself, instead of going to a pro, because I want to get more experience. I think starting out on a free shell isn't too bad. The bottom is done now, and I'm pretty happy with it. Can't stop running my finger over it :p. I guess it's not perfect somewhere, but I think it's relatively smooth for a first time, also considering it was done by hand completely (files and sandpaper). Also, I am quite critical to myself, so I wouldn't be saying I was happy if it was complete crap.
I could try to get a focussed picture and get all nervous about your inevitable judgement, I suppose...]