Anyone using FR4 Garolite for flatwork?

[achase4u]

I am experimenting with various materials now to try and modernize some of my pickup offerings. I like FR4 because its tough as nails, more moisture resistant and stable than vulcanized fiber and easy to machine. I don't like the dust, and the rigidity is a double edged sword. With fiber, it stretches a little. This means I use a tighter interference fit to put magnets in. It's too easy for them to come loose in my opinion, especially with tele neck pickups that use .063" thick fiber for the top and bottom with such a small footprint. The FR4 requires very little interference and it holds the magnet in like mad. The only issue here is that laser cut tolerances can become more an issue. If you are using such a small interference and the laser cuts it too large, it's going to at least require glue.

Seem's like a nice material. I got a bunch from McMaster today. Various garolite types. I like FR4 the best I think. The lime green color is cool, too. However I'd like it in black. I suppose someone could make it in black.

Any other materials? I am also considering bakelite-type paper phenolics, as some still do a bit better than vulcanized fiber...

[ScottA]

My bottom flatwork is a circuit board, so yes, I use FR4 and it works very well.

You can get it in black and I use black for some models.

[achase4u]

Great looking pickups, man. I like the magnet design.

Do you have any pics of your black FR4? Is it the shiny mirror finish? I prefer something matte but I guess it doesnt matter...

[ScottA]

Thanks, man!

Here's a pic of the black one.

It's kind of shiny.