RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas

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El Burdo

Posts: 632
Joined: Sep. 8 2011

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to Stephen Eden)

quote:

That's a really clever idea. You've given me a use for an otherwise useless sharpening guide.

Thanks John. Tbh I do use it for sharpening planes etc. At the moment it does seem to work better than my clenched arm/moving torso method. This just suddenly occurred to me.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 11:48:34

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to estebanana)

Lately I have been using some tools that are so ridiculously simple that they don't warrant photos. I have found that to trim things to a straight line--for example after I have bandsawn the long edges of a fingerboard close to the pencil lines--the fastest and easiest way to do it is to clamp a sufficiently long, 3"-wide, piece of 3/4" MDF to the line with spring clamps, place it in a vise, and use the wide, square edge of the MDF to rest part of the block plane on while I plane. This helps me get the edge of the FB both straight and square really fast. I do the same thing with a shorter length of MDF for the straight sections of my head crest and the sides of the head. I am always amazed that I did this much less efficiently before.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 13:09:46

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

quote:

Thanks John. Tbh I do use it for sharpening planes etc. At the moment it does seem to work better than my clenched arm/moving torso method. This just suddenly occurred to me.

That looks sharp. As in cool looking.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 13:22:20

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

quote:

ORIGINAL: constructordeguitarras

for example after I have bandsawn the long edges of a fingerboard close to the pencil lines--the fastest and easiest way to do it is to clamp a sufficiently long, 3"-wide, piece of 3/4" MDF to the line with spring clamps, place it in a vise, and use the wide, square edge of the MDF to rest part of the block plane on while I plane. This helps me get the edge of the FB both straight and square really fast. I do the same thing with a shorter length of MDF for the straight sections of my head crest and the sides of the head. I am always amazed that I did this much less efficiently before.

I use a jointer to straighten the band sawn edges that way I can tip the fence a couple of degrees to make a slight bevel on the fingerboard edge. The disk sander does a great job straightening and squaring the edges of the head. You can also use a following router bit with a head template to rough out the head shape and edges. I've never had the nerve to use a plunge router to cut the tuner slots but I know some people do it successfully. Next time I make fingerboards I'll take some pictures of the setup I use for cutting the fret slots. It's a real time saver and extremely accurate. My friend Jim Stelzer sent me some pictures of a jig he made for drilling tie block string holes. I wish he'd post it here since it's a good idea. He has a real knack for invention.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 14:04:23

jstelzer

Posts: 30
Joined: Dec. 14 2008

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Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Jul. 7 2013 23:09:01

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 22:56:11

jstelzer

Posts: 30
Joined: Dec. 14 2008

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

Thanks for the complement John.

Thought I would send you some photos of what I did a couple of weeks ago. Due to old age eyes and shakey hands I was considering having a machinist drill a template for aligning the string holes. Wasn't quite sure how I wanted to set it up ... so made a prototype using 1/4" plexi. Instead of holes I used my small bandsaw with a backstop to cut 6 slots to the same depth in the plexi. The saw kerf is a hair less than 1/16" so I had to carefully open up the slots a little. I then attached the template to a piece of 7/8" x 2/ 1/5" hardwood .. with the bottom of the slots approx. 2mm distance from the wood.

I use 2 spring clamps to hold the bridge to the wood piece and then drop it all the way down into my small vise. The spring clamps flatten out the arch in the bridge so that the string holes are the same distance from the bottom. My tie blocks are also ramped ..but the tie block side isn't used for positioning. I then use a small hand crank drill to drill pilot holes 1/4" deep and then finish the final depth on the drill press using the pilot holes for alignment. This crude prototype works well enough for me that I will probably skip having a machinist create a precision one.

Instead of plexi, 1/4" - 1/2" hardwood would work just as well and be easier to accurately position being as you could just glue it on.

I have switched to 1/16" string holes and in one photo I show my solution for reducing drill bit wobble on the drill press. It's a 3/32" OD .. 1/16" ID brass sleeve over a 1/16" drill bit fit into a #6 screw pilot. The brass tubing came from a Hobby/Model Airplane store. If you try this, make sure that the #6 screw pilot has the round shaft and not the quick change hex shaft. The round shaft lines up easier and straighter in the chuck.

My apologies for having to delete the first post - I'm having a terrible time editing photos in windows 7.

Jim in La Pine

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 23:24:11

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to jshelton5040)

I used to use a jointer, but this way is better for me. It looks like your bandsaw cuts very straight lines. Mine only so, so. When I cut the scarf joint as you do on the bandsaw--with almost the same jig--I have to hand plane the joint before glue up. Apparently you don't. Using the jointer to plane to a line means I have to keep lifiting the workpiece up to examine the line. With my MDF shelf clamped to it instead I don't have to keep lifting it up; it is already where I can see it. I make the bevel with a file as I file the fret ends.

I like to use routers as little as possible; the noise and dust are unpleasant to me, and they don't make a very clean straight line. Good for binding and purfling channels though. I don't like routed tuner slots; they don't seem handmade.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 23:24:43

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

quote:

ORIGINAL: constructordeguitarras
I like to use routers as little as possible; the noise and dust are unpleasant to me, and they don't make a very clean straight line. Good for binding and purfling channels though. I don't like routed tuner slots; they don't seem handmade.

I pretty much agree with you Ethan. I suggested the template and following router as one way but I don't use it myself. I guess I'm old fashioned. It's funny how you get used to one way of doing things because that's the way you've always done it then one day discover there's a much better way and everyone else has be doing it for years.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 7 2013 23:48:56

Armando

Posts: 302
Joined: May 27 2005
From: Zürich, Switzerland

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to estebanana)

Hi friends

After i spoiled a guitar because i didn't had the appropriate tool to clamp it, i finally decided to build me this clamping vise as used at the Romanillos guitar making course.

Here it is. Works great!

Possibly i'll build a few more pieces of this vise, so if anybody is interested in one of these, please let me know. The vise is made of pearwood and maple. The inner sides of the clamp features a protective layer of cork.

Best regards

Armando

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 8 2013 20:54:12

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to Armando)

Nice work Armando. The tolerances must be really close on those ways to keep the jaws from binding.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 8 2013 22:21:12

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

Well with all this talk about routing head slots I thought I would share my simple yet effect guide with you. The first pic shows it set up using a pretty powerful router with a flush cut router bit setup. It has dust extraction and is actually so clean I no longer need to use a dust mask for this job. Ear defenders are still a must.

The head and neck are held in place with a single wedge that conforms to the usual shape of the head. The same wedge is used for my machine head hole drilling jig!

The second picture just shows how simple a set up it is.

Oh yeah to use the jig almost care free make you drill a hole for the router. so you don't need to plunge through the wood using the router. :)

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 9 2013 12:25:06

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to Stephen Eden)

I like it. I think I'll definitely copy your idea. Cutting those slots is a needlessly time consuming task when I have all the tools needed to do it your way.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 9 2013 14:24:29

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to Stephen Eden)

I agree with John: It is very nice. I also happen to have the same plunge router--though I haven't used it for years. Could you show us a picture of the inside of the routed slots?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 9 2013 16:06:59

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

That's good Eden, one of things I don't like about routing in the shop is the how it broadcasts wood shrapnel and dust everywhere.

I use the router for cutting binding channel and rosette channel, wish I could figure out away to extract the dust, but I think the vacuum hose would get in the way of router mobility.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 1:53:37

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

Here is my a latest tool. A dehumidi assembly room. It is made of plastic vapor barrier, and 2 x4 framed on two sides. I found this cheap twin wall plastic and fastened it to the side to help prevent punctures around tools and my general klutziness.

I put a compressor dehumidfier inside and it goes down to 30% RH in 90 minutes. The rest of the shop hovers between 45% and 65% RH depending on how much I run the AC.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 6:45:10

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Here is a pic of the slots. It is very usually very clean cut depending on the age of the router bit of course. The bit I used for this one is about a year old and has cut about 30 necks worth of slots. I find the best way to get the cleanest slot is to run the router down the center without touching the sides, to take the bulk of the material, then go around the jig clock wise twice and stop.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 10:04:45

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to Stephen Eden)

Thanks, Stephen, they look beautiful. I'm taking another look at your jig....

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 13:16:37

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

No Problem, i'm sure you can easily replicate it but if you need any help understanding it let me know. I can try and draw up a plan for it with explanations as to what is it what and why it happens to be.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 13:30:11

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to Stephen Eden)

How did you make the perfect slot in the plastic?

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Ethan Deutsch
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 13:53:29

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

Ah I used a 16mm(or what ever size your slots are) router bit on a table with a fence. First I marked out both ends and cut out the bulk by hand to make it easier then went for it. Looking back Perhaps I could have cut it into wood first then use that to cut it into the plastic. In a trial run on a spare pit of plastic it melted!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 14:08:09

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to Stephen Eden)

Thanks, good ideas.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 10 2013 14:15:20

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

Here is the Bridge hole drilling jig I have. It is set up to the same width as my tie block so its a matter of clamping it on setting up the drill press and going for it. Apart from one more jig for the machine head holes, that's all of my jigs.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 12 2013 9:59:16

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

What is it?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 12 2013 13:18:35

Wayne Brown

Posts: 124
Joined: Oct. 22 2012
From: Huntersville, North Carolina, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

It's a Mousetrap!
Or maybe it's a thickness gauge? (for a cello)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 12 2013 13:38:59

paul.troutfisher

Posts: 161
Joined: Feb. 16 2011
From: Danville, CA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

ear piercer

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troutie

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 12 2013 16:11:17

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to estebanana)

Looks like a homemade deep-reach thickness gauge perhaps.

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Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
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www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 12 2013 16:32:04

Jeff Highland

Posts: 401
Joined: Mar. 5 2010
From: Caves Beach Australia

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

Scratch gauge for thicknessing

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 12 2013 20:35:45

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Luthiers Share Tool Ideas (in reply to El Burdo)

I will will go with some kind of marking/ deph guage combo too. I was also thinking along the lines of some kind of torture device too but had to stop as it sent shivers up my spine.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 13 2013 9:39:19