Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Another tenor I built on a whim to sharpen my skills and do work that really inspires me. This is the first time using Lutz, and was really surprised at how stiff this timber is. I was expecting more along the lines of Engelmann, but I would say much closer to really high grade Adirondack. The inlay...

1. Razor sharp chisel and polished back to see the angle is crucial. 2. I have to use a magnifying visor as my regular reading glasses just aren't good enough. And pretty much everyone I know even with good eyesight would benefit from the use. 3. Don't ever think you can hide a small gap at a mitre....

Set the timber 30 to 45 degrees across the grain for the bulk of sanding. Take light passes and only go with the grain at the last pass or two.

This is good practice for any timber that wants to burn or clog either on the timber or your sanding belts.

I just go a notice as an email. Perhaps because I have a luthiers account that gives me big discounts on regular prices. Don't know if the general public will get this offer. But here is the link and a heads up.

StewMax

The last time I ordered from SM the order came via Fedex / Toll. No explanation why even though I've always used DHL.

This technique is not new, and I've been using it for close to 40 years, but it's amazing how many people (even pro spray painters) are unaware of it. The reason you want to do this instead of using a hard block and sand paper is that for one, a block will never cut the high spot down level without ...

Your choice.

For my ukes the tall block is 10mm deeper than the neck block as that suits the way I like them to look. As far as I'm aware, all the Martin guitar plans I've seen do domething similar.

One of the top artists in the world lives in Cairns. He doesn't sell his work....but OMG it's simply amazing. Some almost like a photo. I spent an afternoon with him about 8 months ago getting some pointers.

I've got another tenor uke I'm putting together with some scrimshaw inlay. Took some photo's of the steps for those following on Facebook and the Ukulele Underground, so thought some here might find it interesting. The design is drawn up in CAD and files output for my CNC and Laser. Starts out with ...

I know some pro builders that can tell the difference between brands of lacquer on their instruments. Most of those fellows are US builders that had to switch and try different brands when their favourite closed up shop several years ago. I've only ever used Mirotone when I used lacquer so couldn't ...

I have a "Dry Room" where my dehumidifier runs 24/7. It's approximately 2m x 3m with all timber that I would be working with in the next year or so stored on racks in there as well, besides all the instrument components in various stages of completion are store. Everything lives in there unless I'm ...

It would totally depend on the timber and the 2K clear coat. As far as being durable, shinny, impervious to water, alcohol etc. no worries there. But the flexibility is really an unknown. Metal doesn't move anywhere near what wood will. Flex agents / additives are added to most automotive finishes t...

22.5" scale Baritone uke neck is the closest I'd get to what you are doing. 20 - 30 mintes tops to being ready for pore fill. I don't draw facets onto the neck though I did this to explain to students what we are going to do. Some get it right off the bat, other still struggle trying to visulaize th...

Hi Allen, My goodness! That's gorgeous... again! Very nice, and nice wood combo too! How did you do the scrimshaw? Awl? Any other tools? Thanks, GregL. It's the Coulter precision scrimshaw tool. It's the Rolls Royce version of a awl. That and an Opti Visor and very good lighting. Color fill is arti...

Yes, it's a pretty industrial design that has a 700mm x 1,200mm working area with 300mm of Z height and a 3hp ATC spindle. Built it about 3 years ago now as I couldn't find anything in this size that wasn't just a toy, or cost over $50K.

I've been wanting to do something like this for several years and finally got the opportunity over the last several weeks. And the real sweetener was that every single component went together like it was wanting to be an instrument. The Honduran Rosewood is from some very old stock I've stashed away...

I shot some video of the machining processes on my CNC yesterday of making a bridge. 6 different operations over about 7 minutes total to make a bridge that by hand I wouldn't really have a clue how to do without more jigs and hand work than would ever be practiacal.


youtu.be/ek3UPNZPwXk

I follow Kent Everetts method of doing the bevel cutaway. The process is pretty much the same. His video is available on Robbie Obrien's website. I highly recommend you follow the steps he outlines as missing one will really make the process a nightmare for fit and finish. This style was far easier ...

I'd try a different brand of strings first off.

I've seen this often enough to not jump to too drastic solutions before trying something easy.

Longer scale length to keep the saddle as close to the sweet spot as I can. Some times it's a challenge as clients might want the extra frets but also have small hands that they are not comfortable going to a much longer scale.

It depends on the tuners that you plan on using. If you have them on hand then just measure what would be appropriate. Otherwise most quality tuners will you buy will also have a drawing letting you know the critical dimensions. Most headstocks you will find are in the 10 - 12 mm thick range. If you...

Great news Lillian. I've always enjoyed your participation here.

No, the laser doens't pose the problem. It's when you go to tap into place something like a diamond fret marker like I have that the occasional one will break apart.

This pink stone was fine, but I have another pattern that has several blobs of different colors that have less structural integrity.

I like the recon stone. I cut it with my laser. I imagine it would be dead easy with other tools too. Some of the very figured pieces I've use will fracture / crumble for instance when I do fret markers. The bond between the various colores not being too strong. As long as you use it with that in mi...

15" scale concert ukulele in Blackheart Sassafras and Adirondack Spruce.

Blackwood bindings and Pink Recon-Stone highlights. This is the first time I've gone with this style of cutaway. I quite like the look. Strung up with Worth Browns gCea. Finished in high gloss polyurethane.