Body Cavity Copper Foil Shielding Question

selowitch · #1 02-24-2010, 12:28 PM

I tried shielding the cavity for my SX Shortscale P. It's my first go and there are a whole lot of seams, too many really. Can I melt adjoining pieces of copper foil to join them together, or do I have to apply solder?

stflbn · #2 02-24-2010, 12:33 PM

If you used Stewmac shielding tape... just overlapping the copper tape is fine in most cases. Seams don't matter.

selowitch · #3 02-24-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

If you used Stewmac shielding tape... just overlapping the copper tape is fine in most cases. Seams don't matter.

I did use the Stewmac stuff. I guess I'll just try installing the pups and trying it. No noise, no problem, right?

Floyd Eye · #4 02-24-2010, 02:22 PM

Fold the seams together or use conducive adhesive. It helps to make a template out of tin foil or something and then put your shielding together before you put it in the cavity.

That being said, yeah, no noise, no problem.

selowitch · #5 02-24-2010, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

It helps to make a template out of tin foil or something and then put your shielding together before you put it in the cavity.

D’oh!

MR PC · #6 02-24-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by selowitch

Can I melt adjoining pieces of copper foil to join them together, or do I have to apply solder?

Apply solder. You don't need to do the whole seam(s). Just a small spot to join them together.

billoetjen · #7 02-24-2010, 02:38 PM

"Apply solder. You don't need to do the whole seam(s). Just a small spot to join them together."

+1

just a little dab'll do ya....

selowitch · #8 02-24-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billoetjen

just a little dab'll do ya....

OK. Next time fewer pieces, more prep.

**251** · #9 02-24-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by selowitch

OK. Next time fewer pieces, more prep.

Check the connection between each piece & the circuit ground with a multi-meter?! Fix the open circuits with a dot of solder on the edges, in a convenient place. 8-)

BassieMike · #10 02-24-2010, 03:36 PM

I always use as few pieces of foil as I can to achieve full coverage, then solder the seams. The only reason I solder the seams is because it looks cool

-mike

MR PC · #11 02-24-2010, 03:59 PM

And careful with the SHARP edges of that foil.........

selowitch · #12 02-24-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR PC

And careful with the SHARP edges of that foil.........

I did nick myself. Ouchie.

blipndub · #13 02-24-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassieMike

I always use as few pieces of foil as I can to achieve full coverage, then solder the seams. The only reason I solder the seams is because it looks cool

-mike

That's a really nice job, how do you get it so darn neat in there?

BassieMike · #14 02-24-2010, 05:20 PM

I've done it a lot, and I have a thing about attention to details. Note shielding on inside of pup covers

That's my wiring work too.

-mike

blipndub · #15 02-25-2010, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassieMike

I've done it a lot, and I have a thing about attention to details. Note shielding on inside of pup covers

That's my wiring work too.

-mike

the measure of a tech is how well they put a strat together, no doubt.

bassgod0dmw · #16 02-25-2010, 07:30 AM

If it's the conductive copper tape from Stew Mac, the adhesive is conductive so there is no need to solder it...just over lap them.

selowitch · #17 02-25-2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

If it's the conductive copper tape from Stew Mac, the adhesive is conductive so there is no need to solder it...just over lap them.

Ooo, that's cool. Nice to know.

Is the conductive paint easier?

BassieMike · #18 02-25-2010, 08:09 AM

The paint is easier, but foil is more certain about having "continuity" throughout the shielding. "Only your multi-meter knows for sure"

BTW: I like the 12"x12" sheets of foil from Allparts.

-mike

Floyd Eye · #19 02-25-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassieMike

The paint is easier, but foil is more certain about having "continuity" throughout the shielding. "Only your multi-meter knows for sure"

BTW: I like the 12"x12" sheets of foil from Allparts.

-mike

You seem like a guy who isn't taking any chances. Regarding all that shielding you did around the pups, do you think it makes a noticeable difference? I am getting ready to put together a "kit" guitar and it comes with a wired pickguard. Should I shield all that stuff or just the cavity?

Munjibunga · #20 02-25-2010, 08:17 AM

I had an idea. I thought about laying some Saran Wrap in the cavity, then filling it with plaster of paris. After it hardens, take it out, and form the foil over the plaster. Then remove the nicely-shaped foil and drop it in the cavity. I haven't done it yet, but I'm thinking about it.