Adjustable Plate Screws

[Yardarm103669107@AOL.COM]

Terry:
They are called cap screws, and are machine bolts used generally for high 
pressure manifold connections, can be found at auto supply and machine parts 
houses. I have been using 1/2"od thread, 7/8" cap x 1" long. The bolt comes 
with a beveled head, so you'll have to have a machinist mill the caps to 
about 40-50 thousandths so that the bolt will go flush to the soundboard. 
There is a hex opening in the top for a 5/16" hex wrench, and you can get a 
hex connector which will fit the sears brace. You need to prepare the hole in 
the soundboard/rim by drilling/reaming out about 1/2" down to accomodate the 
bolt; use a 7/16" bit so that the bolt will have something to bite. Once you 
have the series of bolts around the rim, you can lay the plate on top of them 
and work through the lag bolt holes to raise and lower the plate to your 
heart's content. I have been using them for years. After you have the height 
you want, then remove the plate and cut and glue dowel which will go in flush 
to the top of the cap screw; then remove the cap screw. In many SW's the 
dowel is almost flush to the soundboard, so don't be surprised if your cap 
screws go all the way down. A better solution would be to grind the plate 
bosses (see Nick Gravagne's class this summer) and give yourself more working 
room above the soundboard. For instances where the plate sits higher, you can 
get the same cap screws in longer sizes; adapt to the given needs. 
Paul Revenko-Jones