Recreating a Fender SF faceplate

[g9j]

Does anyone know how a Fender Silver Face Faceplate is made?
I am recreating one for my amp and I would love to discover how it is done.
I was able to give the Corel Draw artwork file to a metalworks place and they gave me an
exact cut of the original faceplate dimensions.
Then I got it the faceplate anodized...
The next step is the buffing... I find the original Fender plate has a radial design
The last step is the screen printing which is easy or an engraving with a CNC machine
My only problem is the radial buffing design...if anyone can tell me any method used or any technique that was done I would be grateful.
Looking forward to your expertise
G

[Structo]

Not sure what you mean by radial buffing?

Do you mean make the metal smooth and shiny?

If it is anodized it is a coating that if sanded or buffed will ruin the anodized layer.

Isn't there anybody that makes reproduction silver face panels?

[selloutrr]

If you really wanted to know about the details of fender production you could probably offer to pay Bob Rissi of Risson amps to pick his brain.

As for recreating the faceplate. I would assume it's cheaper to buy a premade clone then go to a machine shop and build it from scratch.

[selloutrr]

http://www.harpamps.com/micKfender/Face ... ation.html

[xtian]

You're right about the buffing. You can use a drill press. Put a buffer in with a diameter of .5 to 1 inch, and press lightly to create that cool pattern. Try on scraps, obviously.

[rdjones]

Not sure what you mean by radial buffing?

I think this is called "engine turned".
You see it sometimes on car dashboards or instrument panels.

rd

[ToneMerc]

Not sure what you mean by radial buffing?

I think this is called "engine turned".
You see it sometimes on car dashboards or instrument panels.

rd

Here's the concept on a smaller scale.It's easier for me to point you to a video than to explain how I've done it. I use a drill press or mill, jeweling tool and a couple of different grades of jeweler's rouge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7xNhUyufEY

TM

[g9j]

Thank you guys for the useful information. I am definitely going to try this out with the drill press and the jewelling tool. I actually did try it out... we used a normal hand electric drill with an old wire brush on it so it did not turn out as neat looking as I would have wanted it to be. I am based in Sri Lanka and in the area I'm staying we have jewellers at every corner... so I'm going to locate a guy who will master this... I will keep you posted on what happens...I did try buying a faceplate over the net but both sites TAD and Verdue had no stock though they have pieces listed. So thanks once again... let's see what happens...I won't take no for an answer.. so cheer me on.

[ToneMerc]

we used a normal hand electric drill with an old wire brush on it so it did not turn out as neat looking as I would have wanted it to be.

Slide a small o-ring over the bristles to keep them from spreading out and use light pressure.

This is the best tool single tool that I've used, an abrasive rod.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=5179 ... ASIVE_RODS

good luck

TM

[martin manning]

Looking closely at the photo of the original, I think that pattern might be painted on.

[flythair0]

Here's an 18 watt amp in progress with the engine turning but somewhat larger than on the Fender faceplate. I made the tool and a jig for my drill press. The aluminum chassis loves the effect and it saves needing a separate faceplate.

Scott