| Author | Content |
Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
July 28, 2008
08:11 AM Post #5331273
| I've recently drawn to making stringed instruments. I'm fascinated with them but knowing how something that seems so simple can be ridiculously complex I chose a small instrument first. I am using Mahogany for the sides/linings and Bocote for front and back and cypress for bracing. I will most likely use Wenge for the fret board and will carve some small pieces from Taga nut. Working on the neck later today. Here is a picture of my homemade "gobar" clamping system in use holding down the back braces for a Tenor Ukulele.
This message was edited Jul 28, 2008 8:12 AM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
 July 28, 2008
11:53 AM Post #5332421
| That will be so beautiful. Your work is inspiring. What is your new shop area like ? |
Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
July 28, 2008
12:38 PM Post #5332645
| Balvenie,
The new shop is smaller than the last but with more overhead storage I'm managing. I'll have to take some pictures and post them. How have you been? |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
July 28, 2008
02:33 PM Post #5333220
| Would like to see your shop, and projects. Springboards with a high ceiling must be a challenge, but they have been used in boat building for a long time and are certainly effective. I was blown away by Don's new huge Powermatic jointer. What a super machine, and just the person to get the most out of it. I have all but finished the tile table. Just needs two rails and some varathane. Been working on the shed shingles since the fountain is finished. Hope I don't run out of shingles since the price has jumped again.
Best to you and Dovy.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
July 28, 2008
02:46 PM Post #5333273
| Nice work - looking forward to seeing the instrument in progrress. Stopped by the Gibson factory when I was in Nashville a few years ago. The whole side of the factory has glass walls, so from the showroom ,you can see all the steps and process of making their instruments. |
zhinu
(Laura) Olympia, WA
(Zone 8a)
July 28, 2008
04:21 PM Post #5333689
| My DH is working on making custom Guitars. |
Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
July 29, 2008
09:19 AM Post #5337460
| Balvenie,
The shingles on the shed are very nice work. Have you used the waterbased Varathane? I've not used it but am interested knowing how it worked for others.
Bubba,
Sounds like a cool tour - next time I'm throught Tenn I will have to make it a point to stop in.
Zhinu,
How long has your DH been making guitars? Did he attend any formal training? |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
July 29, 2008
11:03 AM Post #5338016
| Hardwood,
I made the mistake of using the waterbased on some tables I made for our restaurant. I have already redone the outside tables, but need to refinish the inside tables. The staff uses windex to clean them and it softens the Urathane. Also, when I first did the outside tables, I did not realize that Inside and Oustide was available - thought it was all the same - wrong!! Now use outside oil based exclusively. |
zhinu
(Laura) Olympia, WA
(Zone 8a)
July 29, 2008
03:58 PM Post #5339327
| Hardwood - He's just starting; he has no formal training. He would love to find an apprenticeship, but there are none available in our area. He considered going to the school down in AZ, but with a family it's not really doable. |
Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
July 29, 2008
05:53 PM Post #5339895
| Zhinu,
In a recent book I read about guitar making it mentioned that you have to move to Tennessee or California if you want to get an apprenticeship since that is where most of the makers are at.
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zhinu
(Laura) Olympia, WA
(Zone 8a)
July 29, 2008
05:58 PM Post #5339913
| Neither of which is really an option unless he get to the point he might be able to make a living at it. Then we might conceder it. |
Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
July 30, 2008
02:53 PM Post #5344616
| I look at it this way - at least it keeps me busy and out of trouble LOL... |
Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
August 10, 2008
09:55 AM Post #5394504
| Had some time to work on the neck the past few days. It's carved out of Mahogany and will later get a figurative veneer on the peg head. The fret board is made from Black Walnut - I ebonized it with rusty steel wool soaked in a water and vinegar solution. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
August 10, 2008
09:57 AM Post #5394510
| This picture gives you a better idea how it's going to look once completed. I still have a bunch of sanding and detail work to finish. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
August 10, 2008
02:42 PM Post #5395590
| That is going to be a beautiful piece. The wood is stunning. I recall reading something years ago about the varnish used on rare violins and it being something of a trade secret. It must have a great deal to do with the sound. Perhaps not quite as critical on a Uke as a Stradivarius, but still important. Have you decided on a finish yet ? |
zhinu
(Laura) Olympia, WA
(Zone 8a)
August 10, 2008
04:57 PM Post #5396108
| I love that wood. Ever since DH started to be interested in making guitars I've looked at wood paneling or furniture and thought "that would make a great guitar. |
Hardwood
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
August 11, 2008
07:12 AM Post #5398335
| Balvenie,
I've given much thought into the finish and I am leaning toward French polishing with a super blond shellac. |
pajonica
Tone-machi
Japan
(Zone 9a)
September 26, 2008
01:47 AM Post #5600901
| Rose wood is the best tone wood for the back and sides, top should mahogany for a mellow tone or spruce for a bright tone, all woods should be solid and not laminate. Scale length and fret spacing are vital for intonation, get it wrong and you'll have a nice ornament! Have you thought about what type of truss rod to use? Talking about guitars of course.The very best of luck to you.
Jon. (player and Luthier 40 years)
This message was edited Aug 7, 2009 11:03 PM |
woodchipper
Maidstone
United Kingdom
January 08, 2009
05:21 PM Post #5982495
| In answer to the advice of Bubba... here i am...
I live in the UK and am in full time employment...other than the 8 years in which i served in HM forces I've been employed all my working life as a joiner/cabinetmaker, woodmachinist etc... i work for a company making bespoke joinery and furniture items... i have several pics, examples of some of the jobs I've worked on recently...some of it high class furniture... I've added a recent pic as an example... the picture shows the base of a boardroom table constructed in sections... the table i close to being completed... feel free to ask questions...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
January 08, 2009
05:39 PM Post #5982550
| Glad to have you aboard. |
woodchipper
Maidstone
United Kingdom
January 08, 2009
05:52 PM Post #5982593
| thanks for the invitation Bubba... seems a very interesting forum... i've not been here long and am finding my way around... so many forums and so many topics... very helpful too... another pic of the same table... this is the pedestal section which stands on the base to support the table top... the top is 2.6 mtrs wide and extends to 3.7 mtrs in length. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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dcs123456789
Benfleet,
India
August 07, 2009
08:47 AM Post #6917998
| Bespoke Joinery Dcsservices.com is a small family business and have over 37 years combined experience in the building trade.Our main work is carried out within the SS and CM postcode area. Dean covers calls within Southend and surrounding areas and Ben is based in Burnham on crouch and covers the CM postcode area. Over the years we have developed a solid reputation with our clients for being personal, reliable and professional in the way we conduct ourselves, this gives you our client the confidence and trust that we can take care of you from initial consultation and discussions through to the final completion of works. This close co-operation means that you have assurance and peace of mind that you will be taken care of in a personal,reliable and professional manner when seleScting our company to take care of your project however large or small. |
