Wednesday, May 28, 2008
work continues on headstock jigs
headstock template the two screws are fastened into the area that will be drilled to receive tuners.
This jig is used to position the headstock to receive
holes for the tuning machines
here is a shot of the trial run on scrap- the jig presents the headstock in the proper
position to drill the holes for the tuners thanks to a 1/4 inch alignment
pin on the drill press table.
excuses, excuses all play no work.....
Friday, May 23, 2008
Trimming the top
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Work on Dean's top
Deans top arrived - here's a shot of sweetening up the edge prior to joining the top. Nice piece of select spruce.
A little 220 grit
just to knock the
fuzz off.
I like it. Can't wait to hear how it sounds.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Work on template for headstock
Start out with a half template - then line it up on the center line to make the other side.
Smoothing is done on the spindle sander. I used a triangular file for the center section. Had I used solid wood I could have used chisels.
Next I need to finish the transition from the headstock into the neck. Then I will have to shape the template to match the curve at the transition so that I can attach the template to shape the headstock with a pattern bit on the router table. Of course before I can attempt that step - I will need to put the veneers on the front and back of the head stock. Of course there is another caul to make that will allow me to clamp the veneers to the curved shape matching the transition. With all the jigs and fixtures I have made - I really need to make more than just one of these guitars.
Next I need to finish the transition from the headstock into the neck. Then I will have to shape the template to match the curve at the transition so that I can attach the template to shape the headstock with a pattern bit on the router table. Of course before I can attempt that step - I will need to put the veneers on the front and back of the head stock. Of course there is another caul to make that will allow me to clamp the veneers to the curved shape matching the transition. With all the jigs and fixtures I have made - I really need to make more than just one of these guitars.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Work continues
Local guitar builder Dean Harden came by to work on the cradle for the Archtop he is making. Dean has been building guitars most of his life and plans to make a show piece. Quilted Maple sides and back, select Spruce top and Tiger striped maple neck. Unfortunately, the wood has been back ordered and so the only thing to do is play around with the prep work. We had a nice time together, he knows his way around a shop and I had no worries with him around the machines. It's nice to have someone to ask questions. I'll try to post Dean's progress.
A few pieces of hardware from Lowes some plastic from my friend Dean, and I have a fret bender. The base is a drill press vise from Harbor freight. I use a 1/4 inch allen wrench in place of a crank. I found the details for this at; http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=14027
Adding the neck extension requires another jig; following the book's method, I built the Jig shown below. For the actual glue up I place another clamp on the heal of the neck. The bar clamps were inexpensive clamps that I purchased from Harbor freight as part of my you can never have "too many" clamps philosophy. These clamps however can only be used for the lightest duty situations. This is not a power clamping situation, however I am going to look for F-type clamps to replace these for the next glue up.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Work on the neck continues.... Here is a shot of the tapering jig with the safe-t- planner on the drill press.
Not very pretty at this point.... next step will be to build a fixture for routing the dove tail to join the neck to the body..... Really like this vise it allows you to position the work where you need it.
Should get my truss rod, plans for the binding jig and headstock face material today from LMI.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Fun weekend - finished up the clamps that I am going to need for the bracing. Routed the channel for the truss rod.... I am scratching my head though, somehow I went 1/16 too deep...... I need to make some material for the jig to taper the neck that will work to build the channel back up. I am still not where I want to be with the bracing yet, the fitting continues..... I ordered the plans and DVD for the LMI binding jig as well as the truss rod and headstock material (should have them Wednesday).
Saturday, May 3, 2008
This is the set up to make a 12" radius sanding block for the finger board. Really pretty simple set the table to 5 degrees and take very light passes with the safe T planner. The idea came from http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=25182
Great site with lot's of information
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