re-cutting a 1957 WFL's bearing edge

[studiobitch]

So I bought a 57 WFL kit for 400 bucks a while back. They're great shells, but I wonder if you guys can help me gain some knowledge on re-cutting vintage bearing edges. The drum that i want to re-cut in particular is the rack tom. I noticed it was really "dead" sounding. So then I looked at the edge on it again, and it's damn near a 90 degree angle from the outside to the top of the bearing edge. Slight curve. Then there is, of course, a reinforcement ring on the inside cut to a 45. Looks to me like a bad recut job because the edges are actually really smooth, but they're just not round. I'm thinking about re-cutting the edges myself (i work in a set shop in LA. my wood working skills are pretty good. and i've actually recut an edge before with a table router...not hard.)

Here are the questions:

1. Is this typical of a 1957 WFL to not have a round edge on the outside?

2. What is the ideal size router bit to use on a vintage shell? Does it vary by shell thickness?

3. Totally different project but, How do you cut a snare bed?

many thanks,
mike

[pan60]

Originally Posted by studiobitch

So I bought a 57 WFL kit for 400 bucks a while back. They're great shells, but I wonder if you guys can help me gain some knowledge on re-cutting vintage bearing edges. The drum that i want to re-cut in particular is the rack tom. I noticed it was really "dead" sounding. So then I looked at the edge on it again, and it's damn near a 90 degree angle from the outside to the top of the bearing edge. Slight curve. Then there is, of course, a reinforcement ring on the inside cut to a 45. Looks to me like a bad recut job because the edges are actually really smooth, but they're just not round. I'm thinking about re-cutting the edges myself (i work in a set shop in LA. my wood working skills are pretty good. and i've actually recut an edge before with a table router...not hard.)

Here are the questions:

1. Is this typical of a 1957 WFL to not have a round edge on the outside?

2. What is the ideal size router bit to use on a vintage shell? Does it vary by shell thickness?

3. Totally different project but, How do you cut a snare bed?

many thanks,
mike

not sure where it as but some years back i re did the edges on a snare i rescued. it was a WFL i would have to dig trough my note to see what i cut them on.

probably have better luck with advice on one of the vintage drum forums?
i like DFO vintage and modern drum community.

[mrmike186]

I am thinking WFL's of that era probably had a round edge. If the head fit is to tight, Aquarian makes a head that is slightly larger to fit vintage drums.Aquarian Drumheads :: Vintage Series

[pan60]

heads fit my WFL's fine, the only drums i have had issues with are some round badge gretsch drums.

[soundsundergroun]

Your rounded edge may be normal on that snare

Standard 45 degree bit works...the kind with the wheel on top which limits how much you cut into the wood. How much you adjust the bit to protrude above the surface of your router table determines how deep it will cut into the shell.

Snare beds are a little tricky...haven't mastered that one yet.