I found the below clip from Crimson Guitars and I think I found where my problem lied. I should use the body of the guitar vs modifying a piece of wood for the springs for strength!
Last year I dealt with sheering and other nonsense, but I think this is stupid and doable
![freak :freak:](./images/smilies/freak.gif)
![facepalm :facepalm:](./images/smilies/facepalm.gif)
![lol :lol:](./images/smilies/lol1.gif)
If anyone has some pointers or maybe just some things to try, I'm all for it!
![thumbsup :thu:](./images/smilies/thumb.gif)