Search found 265 matches

by joel
Mon May 09, 2022 11:31 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Figured Koa Acoustic
Replies: 7
Views: 12345

Re: Figured Koa Acoustic

Nice! Love the rosette. I might steal that idea!
by joel
Sat May 07, 2022 5:30 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: B & G style guitar
Replies: 9
Views: 14338

Re: B & G style guitar

Did you build it to a plan?
by joel
Wed May 04, 2022 10:16 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: B & G style guitar
Replies: 9
Views: 14338

Re: B & G style guitar

That's a sexy looking guitar!
by joel
Sun Jan 09, 2022 8:44 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: 2022
Replies: 2
Views: 2416

Re: 2022

Belated happy new year!

Hopefully, I start *and finish* a guitar!
by joel
Tue Dec 28, 2021 9:01 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: My shellac looks like gravy
Replies: 9
Views: 5722

Re: My shellac looks like gravy

I did a bit of research into shellac this year. Problem: Shellac flakes that won't dissolve, or dissolves into gloopy mess, or won't dry hard. Cause: Oxidised shellac flakes. This is especially a problem for de-waxed shellac, it appears the natural wax in shellac slows the rate of oxidation. Solutio...
by joel
Sun Nov 14, 2021 9:45 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Wood query - White Ash and Brush Mahogany
Replies: 0
Views: 21588

Wood query - White Ash and Brush Mahogany

I spent some time today cleaning up the shed and I discovered some wood I could possibly use for guitars. I'm wondering if anyone has used these species before? White Ash . https://www.wood-database.com/white-ash/ I've got a 78mm x 78mm x 1000mm piece I could resaw for some neck blanks and heel bloc...
by joel
Sat Nov 13, 2021 2:43 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Lathe based drum sander
Replies: 6
Views: 4079

Re: Lathe based drum sander

Thanks Dave. I just found this Instructables page; https://www.instructables.com/Lathe-Drum-Sander/ Uses thick wall PVC pipe for the drum. I wonder how this would work out over time? The table system looks pretty good though. I'm considering MDF or plywood for the drum. But the PVC idea has some app...
by joel
Sat Nov 13, 2021 9:28 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Lathe based drum sander
Replies: 6
Views: 4079

Re: Lathe based drum sander

Thanks for the pic and description Dave. Would you mind running through how you made the drum itself? How do you have the drum securely connected to the lathe? How do you secure the table assembly to the bed? I plan on building a larger table so I can run tops, backs, neck blanks, etc through it. Th...
by joel
Fri Nov 12, 2021 7:58 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Lathe based drum sander
Replies: 6
Views: 4079

Lathe based drum sander

Rather than contaminate the other drum sander topic, I thought I'd start a new thread for this off-shoot. I don't have a drum sander. I've been thinking of making a lathe based sander for a while now. I was gifted an old belt driven long bed lathe a while ago. I'm not into turning, and I was going t...
by joel
Fri Aug 06, 2021 7:53 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Falcate - without CF or epoxy
Replies: 2
Views: 3438

Falcate - without CF or epoxy

Anyone built a falcate braced guitar without the carbon fiber or epoxy? If so, how did it go? I ask because; 1. a well executed titebond joint is stronger than the surrounding timber, so is stronger glue even worth it? 2. there is more faffing about with CF, and I enjoy not faffing about whenever po...
by joel
Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:23 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Tonewood in Alaska?
Replies: 10
Views: 8242

Re: Tonewood in Alaska?

Just a quick update. I emailed the guys at Alaska Specialty Woods, and discovered that I could get packages delivered to the Air Force Base I'm deployed to. Brent answered my delivery question quickly, and once I place the order for 6 tops (2A light curl or quilt Sitka, and 2A WRC) and brace wood it...
by joel
Thu Jul 15, 2021 12:37 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Stewmac Intonator
Replies: 5
Views: 4495

Re: Stewmac Intonator

Would love to see some pics Mr. TallDad if you don't mind. I could do with a gadget like this. I tried the g-string trick and I wasn't happy. The intonator is designed for straight pin patterns and works beautifully. I take a photo of the finish positions and translate this to my saddle. I didn’t bu...
by joel
Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:36 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Tonewood in Alaska?
Replies: 10
Views: 8242

Re: Tonewood in Alaska?

Thanks for the input guys. According to Google Maps, Prince of Wales Island is a 38hr drive from Eielson Air Force Base... Was hoping for something a little closer than that. Unsure if I can get stuff posted to me at this Base.
by joel
Sun Jul 11, 2021 7:39 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Tonewood in Alaska?
Replies: 10
Views: 8242

Tonewood in Alaska?

I'm heading to Alaska for work. Does anyone know of some reputable tonewood suppliers up that way? I might be able to bring back a small package of top sets for my future humble building efforts.
by joel
Tue Jul 06, 2021 7:33 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Falcate Bridge Plate Thickness
Replies: 6
Views: 4511

Re: Falcate Bridge Plate Thickness

I have the 2nd edition. Both 11.2.5.2 and the plan have 1.5mm listed as the bridge plate thickness.
by joel
Sat Jul 03, 2021 9:11 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Finally finished my 1st
Replies: 3
Views: 5088

Finally finished my 1st

Well, it's been a long time coming but I'm finally finished my first build. It's an OM style; King Billy top, Alpine Ash back and sides, QLD Maple neck, Gidgee fretboard and bridge. What began many years ago as a full scale drawing, progressed slowly through jig making, detoured briefly into tube am...
by joel
Thu Jun 24, 2021 8:43 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: UV cure
Replies: 7
Views: 6369

Re: UV cure

I've recently used Solarez "I can't believe its not laquer!" for pore filling. I cured it in the sun. It cures fast, cures hard. Sands easily, but it also can be easily pulled out of the pores too. If I could apply it smoothly enough it would be a good finish since it's clear and glossy. I might try...
by joel
Sat May 29, 2021 10:03 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Stewmac Pore Filler
Replies: 3
Views: 2670

Re: Stewmac Pore Filler

Looks like a dry version of Timbermate (available at the big green shed). The product description reads almost the same.
by joel
Tue Apr 20, 2021 6:43 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)
Replies: 19
Views: 13674

Re: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)

I just did an experiment using cyanoacrylate on the weekend after I watched a few youtube videos on finishing with cyanoacrylate. It works brilliantly. I used some fine sawdust I'd saved in a jar, rubbed it into the pores, then flooded with thin cyanoacrylate and kinda stirred it until it started to...
by joel
Wed Apr 14, 2021 7:57 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)
Replies: 19
Views: 13674

Re: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)

I've only just seen some interesting videos about that Solarez "I can't believe it's not Lacquer". Looks very interesting.
by joel
Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:01 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)
Replies: 19
Views: 13674

Re: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)

Great ideas and tips so far guys, thanks. I've done some tests with Timbermate and it works pretty well, but the pores of my wood are so big and numerous that the colour of the Timbermate dominates (same result with gyprock plaster filler). I'm getting the feeling from my experiments and your sugges...
by joel
Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:53 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)
Replies: 19
Views: 13674

Re: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)

Hi Alan,

What sort of cut do you make your shellac before mixing with the sawdust? Amber, Blonde?
by joel
Sun Apr 11, 2021 4:15 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)
Replies: 19
Views: 13674

Pore filling methods question (non-epoxy preferred)

Hi all, I've been reading a bit recently about pore filling. The back and sides of my body are a flame Alpine Ash which is mostly pores - seriously I reckon the surface is at least 30% open pores... Most articles and books recommend epoxy. The "Pore Filling 101" thread in the Tutorial section starte...
by joel
Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:49 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: 335/archtop style question
Replies: 4
Views: 4066

Re: 335/archtop style question

Thanks for the replies. It's a thought provoking topic.
by joel
Mon Apr 05, 2021 10:04 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: 335/archtop style question
Replies: 4
Views: 4066

335/archtop style question

I've been thinking lately about one of my favourite electric guitar types - the 335. In particular, I've been thinking about how the tops and backs are carved out of a thick billet. Seems a bit wasteful to me and I was wondering if the top and back of a 335 style could be made domed across the whole...