D.I.Y. Luthiers

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D.I.Y. Luthiers

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Shrek

Posts: 30
Joined: Jan. 17 2006

D.I.Y. Luthiers

My question is to those who have built a guitar from scratch or from kit form .
What tools , power tools or specialist equipment did you buy to do the job , were ther any books on building you used and could recomend ? and finally what plans did you follow and why ?
I have followed everybodys threads on building there own guitars with great interest . so i would appreciate any help on the matter .
Cheers
Vic

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 16 2007 20:49:16

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

No one can answer your question without knowing how much experience you have with wood working and woodworking tools. When I started building in the early 60's all I had was a small router, a belt sander, some chisels, a couple of hand saws and a few "c" clamps; but I'd been doing wood working for quite a few years. The fewer power tools you have the more sweat you'll spill. I originally cut all my backs and sides out of rosewood with a handsaw (I don't recommend it).

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 16 2007 23:13:55

DoctorX2k2

Posts: 211
Joined: Jun. 14 2006
From: Quebec City, Canada

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Tools I needed :

Chisels
Files
Clamps with various throat length
Sand Paper
Planes
Rulers
Calipers
Scrapers
French Curve
Dovetail Saw
Miniature Backing Saw
Jewelers Saw
Spokeshave
Laminate trimmer with bit and bearings kit
Hygrometer
Sharpening stone

Since I built from one of LMI's kit, I didn't need any power tools except for the laminate trimmer. Depending on what type of finish you want to apply, you'll need different tools. I brushed a lacquer... was supposed to French Polish but I decided not to try it until next summer.

I used both O'Brian's DVD (comes with the kit) and Cumpiano's book, but Cumpianos was way more useful than the DVD. It has a lot of useful information, especially if you want to build with very few power tools. I've heard good things about "Making Masters' Guitars" but it's over 100 bucks (another thing that'll have to wait).

I followed Santos Hernandez's plan because it was proposed by lukemoon and I thought it couldn't be bad to try to copy one of the greatest flamenco luthier who ever existed.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 16 2007 23:17:02

Posts: 26
Joined: Aug. 25 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

I'm part of the way through building my first guitar, I'm using Manuel Reyes plans and the book "Making Master Guitars". I find both of them really good, although it does get on my nerves every so often that the Reyes plans have some measurements in metric and others imperial but mostly I'm just thankful to get a hold of such plans in the first place.

I'd add a fret saw to the Doc's list to cut out the top and back, I found my coping saw just wasn't deep enough. I suppose you could use the jewelers saw instead of the coping saw.

A table saw will also come in handy, it saves sh*tloads of time not having to prepare guides for a power saw if you plan on making a few jigs. I got a small table saw here (Australia) for $80 - which is unbelievable - well worth the money for the time you save, it's come in handy for getting the grain for the back to the angle I wanted before joining it and also for the fan braces as well. I plan on making a sled for it to do the fret slots as well. I try not to lash out too often but this was a worthwhile investment - already paid for itself in the time I've saved.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2007 1:17:15

Posts: 26
Joined: Aug. 25 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

I almost forgot the most important tool... a radio

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2007 2:12:47

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Yes, the radio is important and some good progranes as well. Dont listen to news, the guitars get frustrated. CD players suck, they die within a short time. They cant take the dust, so a MP3 player is a cool tool.

I build my first with more or less the tools the Doctor mentioned. I would add a very nice whittling knife to sharpen pensils and other little things, and I actually cut the heel with a knife. Remember to buy good sharpening stones and LEARN how to use them. I recommend Japanese stones. You can get along with relatively cheap chisels and planes, what matters is that they are sharp and well adjusted. A Lie-Nielsen is equaly bad as a chinchong if its not sharp and well adjusted.

Get the first online apprendice lessons on CD rom . I its a good source to use with Nathelson and Cumplianos book

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2007 6:56:35

Ramón

Posts: 440
Joined: Feb. 23 2005
From: La Jolla, Ca

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

I got lucky and used a luthier's shop..... Benders, thickness sanders...Now I'm spoiled!

Hey Anders... Sort of curious of the new headstock design from "2 naked blondes in my front yard".... I'm flattered if you liked what I did on my design. Tried to keep it simple and clean.

Forgive me if I'm guessing wrong?

R

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2007 14:31:11

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

CD players suck, they die within a short time. They cant take the dust

I just learned this the hard way

Shrek, the Doctors tool list is pretty good. Think really good about deciding to do this though. It WILL be expensive. You can save some money on materials by purchasing one of the flamenco kits but, the tools will be expensive and it may take you some time to complete your first one unless you get all the tools at once.

I would recommend the Marcelo Barbero plan for your first guitar. It's a proven plan and not too involved. If it doesn't matter to you if you build a classical or flamenco, then I would get the first online apprentice lesson on CD Rom as Anders mentioned.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2007 15:05:53

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

As Tom says... if you don't have all of the tools Doc mentioned, we're talking a MAJOR investment. I'd say it could easily run into HUNDREDS of dollars. Buying a kit will save you some time and money, but don't think you're gonna make a decent guitar with just one plane a saw and some sandpaper.

by all means go for it, but I would only invest in all those tools if I was planning on making more than one guitar.

Jb

_____________________________

¡Si esto no está en compas, esto no es el Flamenco!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2007 15:21:55

Posts: 26
Joined: Aug. 25 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

My intention is to make a couple of guitars, but they are for myself, I'm not trying to start a business. I really just want one, but I'm unsure of how the first one will turn out - regardless of the result I will build a second one.

It was suggested to me to build the same guitar (same plans) with the same type of materials for the first few in order to get an idea of the characteristics of that particular guitar. I guess knowing the coincidental differences between the two may shed some insight on just how much certain details can affect the overall result as well.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 18 2007 3:52:15

DoctorX2k2

Posts: 211
Joined: Jun. 14 2006
From: Quebec City, Canada

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to gt)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gt

It was suggested to me to build the same guitar (same plans) with the same type of materials for the first few in order to get an idea of the characteristics of that particular guitar. I guess knowing the coincidental differences between the two may shed some insight on just how much certain details can affect the overall result as well.

For that, you'd need to take a lot of notes. Notes of what? I'm not sure exactly... I'm too much of a newbie at this. You can't hope to do that with just 2 guitars. I guess it takes years of experiencing different things without really "building" or just a lifetime experience to master very detail and achieve similar results every time you do something. IMO, it's too much overanalyzing for newbies like us. We just got to build and get familiar with the process first. If money isn't an issue, just do it. I didn't learn much about guitarmaking until my hands were actually trying to achieve something. You read something and you think. It's just like driving a car... theory has nothing to do with practice. So if money isn't much of an issue, get the few tools you need and jump in... you'll learn a LOT about guitars.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 18 2007 4:43:47

Posts: 26
Joined: Aug. 25 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

I totally agree... less thinking, more action

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 19 2007 3:35:22

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

quote:

My intention is to make a couple of guitars, but they are for myself, I'm not trying to start a business. I really just want one, but I'm unsure of how the first one will turn out - regardless of the result I will build a second one.

The tool that gives you control, and that I will advice you to buy is a deep throat caliper to meassure the thickness of the plates. Its about 100$ at Stewmac. Without, its like walking around blindfolded

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 19 2007 7:45:24

Shrek

Posts: 30
Joined: Jan. 17 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Hi there . Thanks for your input i really appriciate it . the kit that i've been looking at is the flamenco model from madinter.com , as for tools well i'm a mechanic and have a very good selection of precision measuring tools and hammers

( shame you can't pop rivot and mig weld the bugger ) plus a fair collection of carpentry/diy tools at home . One of my main concerns tool wise was specialist tools and using them . If i do venture into this project it will have to be a labour of love and accept it might send me insane and the guitar will be crap

.
Thanks for your help and hope one day i will be able to call on it again.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 19 2007 17:00:31

JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Go for it, shrek. You've got nothing to lose- apart from time and money... but if you enjoy it, those expenses will seem insignificant.

Jb

_____________________________

¡Si esto no está en compas, esto no es el Flamenco!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 19 2007 18:10:14

TANúñez

Posts: 2559
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
From: TEXAS

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Be sure and check ebay under luthier tools. You can often find good used tools at a fair price.

_____________________________

Tom Núñez
www.instagram.com/tanunezguitars

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 19 2007 19:30:47

n85ae

Posts: 877
Joined: Sep. 7 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Shrek -

In your case, based on your tool selection I'd recommend - Build the top and back using 2024 aluminum, then perhaps the the sides from 6061 which bends a bit easier. Now for the neck, well ... nothing beats a nice piece of 4130 steel. You can indeed use your Mig welder, however you should normalize the steel after welding to help eliminate cracking. Also, I'd suggest AN470-5 5/32" solid rivets to hold the body parts together.

Regards,
Jeff

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 19 2007 19:33:58

Posts: 26
Joined: Aug. 25 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Thanks Anders, that's a reasonable price... a local trade tools store tried to get me to order one from their catalog for $800, I told them they've got to be joking ... maybe their model sands it down to size as well

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 21 2007 1:16:31

JasonM

Posts: 2054
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to n85ae)

Well I prefer about 12 alternating layers of fiberglass matt and cloth, polyester resin, and finish off with a nice conde orange gel coat. Mabey a nice varnished teak for the neck and headstock, and not to forget a sacrificial zinc for the butt plate

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 26 2007 21:00:40

bbeardb

Posts: 23
Joined: Jun. 1 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to JBASHORUN)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JBASHORUN
we're talking a MAJOR investment. I'd say it could easily run into HUNDREDS of dollars.

I've only built two, and they were in a class at a fully stocked shop. I've been working on getting stuff for myself. I'm already in the THOUSANDS. Bad habit to get into, it can add up quick. And then when you haven't worked on anything in months, it can be painful. Be weary.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 26 2007 21:29:11

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: D.I.Y. Luthiers (in reply to Shrek)

Hi.

You dont need thousands of $ if you build a few guitars. No way. You dont need to buy machines. They come in handy, and saves time, but they dont make a better guitar.
With respect of hand tools, you dont need to buy the most expensive. Buy 2 VERY good sharpening stones and learn how to use them.
I have an Indian Jointer plane which cost me 35 euros. I use it for jointing the soundboards and its absolutely perfect. Its all about sharpness and adjustment. I have chineese hss chisels worth 8 euros!!!! which are by far the best chisels for working hardwoods. Better than 100 euro japanese crapchisel. Its all about choosing the right tool.
Keep things sharp and be patient and you dont need a lot of tools..... You can get along with 3 chisels. A big, a small and a 2mm.
Most important
Dont read Stewmacs newsletter. It will cost you thousands of yankee dolares because you´ll think you cant live without all their little toys

_____________________________

Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 27 2007 8:44:48