Search found 182 matches

by old_picker
Wed Mar 06, 2019 5:48 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Weird finishing problem
Replies: 10
Views: 14502

Weird finishing problem

Got this infuriating issue with a maple one piece neck I have just re-fretted. I used titebond liquid hide glue to help the frets stay put and as usual residue got on the board which cleaned up nicely with a wet then dry rag. Started using the hide glue several years ago with refrets. Not sure I hav...
by old_picker
Tue Sep 11, 2018 3:15 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mirotone PC 3220 - what is the resin?
Replies: 3
Views: 6515

Re: Mirotone PC 3220 - what is the resin?

This morning when I looked at the formulation published by the makers, the resins are not disclosed. Who knows what it might be.
by old_picker
Tue Sep 11, 2018 3:13 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Blush - Yeccchhh
Replies: 11
Views: 13422

Re: Blush - Yeccchhh

I blocked it today and conditions good this arvo - so a couple more coats of black and I'll start in on the clear. BTW first job in the brand new workshop whoo hoo - builder isn't out yet but not back here again for a few days - while the cats away :)
by old_picker
Tue Sep 11, 2018 7:38 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mirotone PC 3220 - what is the resin?
Replies: 3
Views: 6515

Mirotone PC 3220 - what is the resin?

Been using this for a few years now with excellent results if you work within its parameters. I have often wondered exactly what resin is used.

Does anyone here know what is left on the wood after the smelly stuff is gone?
Is it a cellulose nitrate base?
by old_picker
Fri Sep 07, 2018 5:25 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Blush - Yeccchhh
Replies: 11
Views: 13422

Re: Blush - Yeccchhh

give that a try and it did knock it back quite a bit but with black it's gotta be 100%.
I'll block it on Monday, shoot clear over that and see how she looks
by old_picker
Fri Sep 07, 2018 10:07 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Blush - Yeccchhh
Replies: 11
Views: 13422

Blush - Yeccchhh

Never had blushing before and I've sprayed in pretty awful conditions. Yesterday afternoon and this morning however, spraying black acrylic coats has blushed like crazy. It is 79% humidity and 11degC here :( Wondering which is the most efficient way to deal with this. Will blocking it back with 600 ...
by old_picker
Fri Aug 10, 2018 4:49 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Spray booth
Replies: 13
Views: 13244

Re: Spray booth

Thanks Wayne exactly what I was looking for. My version will be more low tech using 2nd hand bits etc. My stepson is building the machine shed and he is very handy with all things motor and metal. He is building the shed from used panels of 75mm steel sheet / foam sandwich as used in refrigeration p...
by old_picker
Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:02 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Spray booth
Replies: 13
Views: 13244

Spray booth

Having just relocated the workshop I am now looking for a solution to capture over spray in the workspace and, as far as possible, fumes from neighbouring properties. Unlike my previous location, where I did not need to be too careful, the houses here are on smallish blocks. I am intending to locate...
by old_picker
Sun May 06, 2018 10:09 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Sign of The Times
Replies: 2
Views: 6382

Re: Sign of The Times

Quite honestly I am not surprised at this. The guitars they churn out these days are of average quality. There is only so far you can go with selling a gold logo. A few points in their favour: You generally don't have to replace pickups in a Gibson to get great tone. You can guarantee the finish wil...
by old_picker
Thu Jan 04, 2018 11:34 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Binding The only way out?
Replies: 21
Views: 37259

Re: Binding The only way out?

Just to flesh the epoxy idea out a little I have a question. I can get West Systems G/flex® 650 about 40mins from here. I 've used Titebond original made into a putty like consistency with sawdust and found it's fine for small holes and dings. Not applicable in this situation. I've also used low vis...
by old_picker
Wed Jan 03, 2018 7:44 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Binding The only way out?
Replies: 21
Views: 37259

Re: Binding The only way out?

thanks chaps - I've found Pau Ferro binding locally Whoo Hoo - Vandenbooms suggestions are gold - Epoxy vs CA and binding with similar material - I'll try a fill first then go the binding if I have too
by old_picker
Wed Jan 03, 2018 7:37 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: pattern makers vise at Carbatec at last!
Replies: 38
Views: 76569

Re: pattern makers vise at Carbatec at last!

The Carbatec jobbie arrived this morning and it works fine - $200 in freight on top of Stewmacs price for a few minor refinements - no way jose - Surprised how quick Carbatec shipped it out at around 4 days at no charge - excellent - their shipping has improved out of sight since I used it a few yea...
by old_picker
Mon Dec 25, 2017 6:13 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Binding The only way out?
Replies: 21
Views: 37259

Re: Binding The only way out?

ROFL...that's think way outside the square. How about a fretboardless fretboard??? :mrgreen: as pioneered by Leo Fender in 1949? The groove jig looks like a low tech approach that is appealing so likely go that way. Having my frets cut to the perfect width with bullet ends pre shaped is out of my s...
by old_picker
Sat Dec 23, 2017 11:29 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Binding The only way out?
Replies: 21
Views: 37259

Re: Binding The only way out?

don't have a tang nipper and looking at the local ones [allparts] and at $175 it would need to be damn good. Apparently there is a manual sheet metal nibbler tool luthiers use in america that is good as a nipper after some slight modification. They sell for US$15.00

Any tips?
by old_picker
Fri Dec 22, 2017 11:33 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: pigments for lacquer
Replies: 2
Views: 3923

Re: pigments for lacquer

Most good art suppliers sell pigments. There is also a local manufacturer I believe.
by old_picker
Fri Dec 22, 2017 7:11 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Binding The only way out?
Replies: 21
Views: 37259

Binding The only way out?

Last post for 2017 and I'd like to say peace filled Xmas and bright and happy 2018 to one and all. Last day in the workshop produced this little "bu#@$% it" moment below. First time using Pau Ferro and found it to be brittle and definitely not liking my sharp block plane against the grain even on a ...
by old_picker
Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:26 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: pattern makers vise at Carbatec at last!
Replies: 38
Views: 76569

Re: pattern makers vise at Carbatec at last!

how can I resist?
by old_picker
Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:20 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: A banjo
Replies: 4
Views: 6556

Re: A banjo

nothing wrong with banjo's - they are loud without using power :)) Japanese copy of a [if you are lucky] mastertone likely from the late 70's - they made a few different models from entry level to a mastertone clone or "masterclone" A complex instrument the way they are put together and set up is a ...
by old_picker
Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:58 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Tru Oil alternatives
Replies: 16
Views: 32876

Re: Tru Oil alternatives

I have had excellent results with danish oil by Cabots. The trick with it is sanding until you have a surface reflecting light - on a top quality job I'll go to 2500 grit wetn dry [using it dry] then buff with the back of the paper. The Danish is slopped on quickly as possible in great dollops - I u...
by old_picker
Tue Nov 21, 2017 1:11 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: heating blankets In Oz
Replies: 1
Views: 3311

heating blankets In Oz

Looking at getting one of these in for heating fingerboards for removal and coaxing necks into a straight line. Think I've gone as far as I want to with my old iron. From Hong Kong [Keeneevo on Ebay] including express post of one month :shock: AU$101.00 From LMI with express post of a few days AU$ $...
by old_picker
Thu Sep 14, 2017 7:00 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: needing templates cut and inlay work CNC
Replies: 8
Views: 13374

Re: needing templates cut and inlay work CNC

I forget what software my bloke used but it imported EPS ok. I should have learned autocad when I was younger but never really had the need for it until last couple of years. At my age I dont think i'll bother now.

Thanks for the help
by old_picker
Thu Sep 14, 2017 10:30 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: needing templates cut and inlay work CNC
Replies: 8
Views: 13374

needing templates cut and inlay work CNC

Morning all. My usual operator is not responding to emails or texts so I assume he is too busy to do this job for me. I have generated EPS files which I believe should be readable by most CNC software. There are 3 body templates, a headstock plate and a couple of access covers.
Any recommendations?
by old_picker
Thu Sep 14, 2017 9:31 am
Forum: Anything Goes
Topic: The slow, secret death of the six string electric..
Replies: 6
Views: 21063

Re: The slow, secret death of the six string electric..

Guitar players are suffering like everyone else from information overload. Walk into any music shop and you'll see what I mean, Walls literally covered in guitars from floor to ceiling. Every price point, colour and configuration is covered. Big guitar manufacturers are beginning to find out out tha...
by old_picker
Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:50 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Matching Nut files to string gauge when making a nut - how critical is the match?
Replies: 9
Views: 13819

Re: Matching Nut files to string gauge when making a nut - how critical is the match?

I've cut a lot of nuts over the years and always leave plenty of wiggle room in case the next owner wants to go heavier with the strings. I'll cut with a file round .005" - .010" bigger than the target string and begin by cutting the slot with 400 wet n dry around the file. The breakk angle must be ...
by old_picker
Tue Sep 12, 2017 10:19 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Air brush for finish touch ups
Replies: 4
Views: 7095

Air brush for finish touch ups

My journey into the mystical arts of finishing with lacquer have brought me to the point where I believe I need an air brush for small touch ups. Having never used one I have no idea what to buy. I can see two main types ie gravity and siphon types. What I need to be able to do is apply finish to sm...