Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Thank you for the encouraging replies. The sides are for a Baritone Ukulele. They're 2mm. I have it gluing up now between cauls. I guess I'll find out tomorrow. PS. a little voice was telling me not to as it's pretty cold in the shop today. Wet, rainy and a bitter wind. A max today of 8°C. Lovely Ta...

Oops!

I read some words of wisdom in a woodworking magazine once........ Repeating an action is guaranteed to produce the same result. I've had to remind myself of that on many occasions. In this example, I've ruined a fair amount of figured sides with cracking at the apex of the bout or waist. I finally ...

I notice that pumice doesn't get a mention. It's the only method I've tried. (With a mix of good and poor results on blackwood). Is pumice no longer considered a worthy method? I have a 500g container that will see me out😀 PS.... by poor results I mean finding white/grey spots below the surface afte...

Thanks again, we have a Carbatec rep. make regular visits . I'll order some and avoid shipping costs. While I'm here......... we should share our rookie " learning experiences " right? I've just bandsawn the tapered edges off the neck and haven't routed the rod channel yet. Ouch! I guess I can tempo...

Thank you for the advice. I've only ever kept 5 min. epoxy on the shelf but for this job I'll look for something better. Also, If I have a cover strip that's a bit proud, I'm not confident I could get a good finish with the hand plane so either the jointer or sanding board? I'm just picturing that a...

Hi Folks,
I plan on dropping a 300mm length of carbon fibre into a baritone ukulele neck. It's roughly 3mm x 9.5mm
Is this a good idea?
If I do, should it be installed as a dry fit or should I flood the channel with epoxy and lock it in?
Cheers

Foreign country?



Brisbane 1982.......... still not over it!

Sorry to disappoint Martin, but Lower Barrington is in Tassie.

So the search continues
Cheers

Some new material for listening - great! Thanks Ros, I worked as a service tech. so the valve amp set is a good recommendation from you. I'm obviously much older than you Joel as I only recognised a handful of names on your recommendations - but that was what I was hoping for - some refreshing mater...

I'm running out of ideas as to what to play in the shop. When tasks need full concentration I prefer something that's not too attention-grabbing. At other times (like cleaning up and sharpening) I enjoy a podcasts or something more engaging. Rather than influencing suggestions with some hint of my p...

I've always struggled with this. I found the lever had two tensions and I was only moving it half-way. I found that considerable force was needed to open the jaw all the way. It's quite hard on the finger and sometimes needs several attempts. Also, Is that spring loaded bolt protruding from the rhs ...

I tried a few chemicals and wire brush with the drum running.
It sent a shower of sparks down the 100mm dust extractor hose.
Is there much risk in that?
I disconnected the hose just to err on the safe side.
Cheers

Hi Folks,
I found lots of older discussions on using macrocarpa for the body, but is it suitable for a steel string acoustic neck (Dreadnought)?
Cheers

Hi Dave,
that's really clever.
Do you mind if I share your image in our guild newsletter?
Cheers - Pat

Hi Steve,

I would like to suggest:

How to guarantee that the bridge is square across the soundboard; and
Calculating nut to saddle distance. I find that a bit confusing (Including Ukuleles).
(It's that - adding a bit extra to the lower half that's puzzling).

Thank you - Cheers - PH

Hi Alan, I've been using 3 x Tastic lamps and just to confirm the advice from others here's a shot of one side. I've been using the plastic bases and they don't tighten up too well. The lamps tend to flop about a bit at times. They're also a bit cramped in there. I think it's time to consider a heat...

Well, that turned out rather nicely.
I think I'll do just one more...........................

Beautiful job Daniel

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Thanks Allen, I love seeing your work in the gallery - it's amazing. It gives me (and others I'm sure) something to aspire to. I'm a little confused here. I've read that finishes won't adhere well if you go beyond 240/320 grit? Perhaps you've already applied a finish? Do you apply any finish after t...

That's a good point. Would it be a poorer/better feel or just different.
I think his fingers don't behave as they used to. (There's a table saw story in there)
I'll ask how it's working out after a while.
(and maybe borrow his template and try it)
Cheers

A friend came up with this idea and I felt it was worth sharing.

Ian prefers the feel of a western style handgrip but likes the performance of the Japanese pull saws.

He made a couple of router templates and bingo!
Best of both worlds.
Cheers

On fret bending.. Trevor G has a Fret bending jig in the Jigs and Fixtures forum. Just search there with the word emergency . I copied it using a wooden base plate and three wooden dowels. I realise that's only good for short-term but it worked a treat. I padded the dowel posts with wraps of masking...

Hi Laurence,
There's and old discussion on here somewhere and one of the replies in it mentioned they used a BBQ rotisserie.
They had to mount it on the alternate side so lost the double width - but that didn't concern them.

Cheers

Hi Folks,
I'm interested in making a wooden hand plane or two.

Can I start with mild steel flat bar for a blade and treat it?
Cheers - PH