Search found 4738 matches

by Allen
Mon Oct 07, 2019 7:04 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: shed insulation
Replies: 8
Views: 12199

Re: shed insulation

I had mine insulated with foil lined fiber batts. My mate is a roofer and told me that for up here in Cairns that was by far the best option. The roofing sheets are pulled off to install.
by Allen
Mon Sep 30, 2019 3:02 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Opinions wanted on use of this Sitka top...
Replies: 7
Views: 8022

Re: Opinions wanted on use of this Sitka top...

I have plenty of soundboards that have wide grain spacing but so bloody stiff that I end up taking them thinner than others that would have narrower spacing.

Lots of my clients would pick that top because it looks like timber.
by Allen
Thu Sep 19, 2019 6:12 am
Forum: Jigs & Fixtures
Topic: Glueing the scarf joint
Replies: 5
Views: 27464

Re: Glueing the scarf joint

HHG and 4 Irwin clamps. One on each corner of the scarf. No jigs.

The HHG grabs and no slipping or squirming around like PVA glue does.
by Allen
Fri Sep 13, 2019 2:57 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Mouldy HHG
Replies: 2
Views: 4092

Re: Mouldy HHG

I presume you mean in glue that has been made up. If it's mouldy then toss it and make fresh. If you can't use up what you have in a resonable amount of time, then just make smaller batches. I mix up either 1 or 2 tablespoons of glue with double that in water in a small mustard jar that gets stored ...
by Allen
Tue Sep 10, 2019 4:26 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bote-cote epoxy
Replies: 11
Views: 15247

Re: Bote-cote epoxy

It has a very long shelf life. I buy the 1 litre resin and I go through it in about a year. I know that the regular and tropical hardener will yellow with age, so I always use the non-yellowing hardener. I typically make up 10 grams of resin plus 4.4 grams of hardener to pore fill a couple of instru...
by Allen
Sat Sep 07, 2019 4:34 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bote-cote epoxy
Replies: 11
Views: 15247

Re: Bote-cote epoxy

Only when pore filling. I found that with some timber it works better to use the TPRDA in at least 2 coats, but that could also be that I'm in the tropics and it will want to kick over quicker than in cooler climates.

Adding the TPRDA definately thins it out so it penetrates into the timber.
by Allen
Sat Sep 07, 2019 12:56 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bote-cote epoxy
Replies: 11
Views: 15247

Re: Bote-cote epoxy

As far as I'm aware its clearer than the regular resin. I've only ever used it after talking with the chemist, explaining what I was using epoxy for and it was his recommondation. Also if you want to make up by weight here are the exact weights from an email he sent me. I often just make up 5 grams ...
by Allen
Fri Sep 06, 2019 11:07 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bote-cote epoxy
Replies: 11
Views: 15247

Re: Bote-cote epoxy

rocket wrote:
Fri Sep 06, 2019 9:44 am
What is Bote Cote like to sand in comparison to West’s and Z poxy?

Rod.
Never used Z Poxy but compared to WEST Systems it sands like a dream. You'll kick yourself into next week for not switching sooner.
by Allen
Fri Sep 06, 2019 6:20 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bote-cote epoxy
Replies: 11
Views: 15247

Re: Bote-cote epoxy

I've been using it for years. And would never go back to WEST Systems. I use the Crystal and Non Yellowing hardener and always use TPRDA.
by Allen
Sat Aug 31, 2019 6:14 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Tenor Air Uke
Replies: 3
Views: 7703

Re: Tenor Air Uke

It is for a Koaloha which is what this fellow wanted replicated as far as physical dimensions of fret board and body shape.
by Allen
Fri Aug 30, 2019 3:52 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Tenor Air Uke
Replies: 3
Views: 7703

Tenor Air Uke

I was asked to build this One of a kind ukulele (Ooaku) so the gentelman could practice on an instrument that had the same physical dimensions as his Koaloha but be pretty much silent unless plugged in. Made from New Guinea Rosewood neck and body, Huon Pine and Australian Blackwood for the ribs and ...
by Allen
Fri Aug 30, 2019 11:58 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Sourcing 3-degree unslotted bridge pins
Replies: 6
Views: 7155

Re: Sourcing 3-degree unslotted bridge pins

Plain unslotted Indian Rosewood. I bought the gross because the CITES certificate was the same cost no matter what the amount purchased.

You can have 60 at $100 including the shipping.
by Allen
Thu Aug 29, 2019 4:21 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Sourcing 3-degree unslotted bridge pins
Replies: 6
Views: 7155

Re: Sourcing 3-degree unslotted bridge pins

How many do you need? I have a gross in stock that ordered a couple months ago.
by Allen
Tue Aug 27, 2019 6:22 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Makore and Lutz Tenor with Scrimshaw Inlay
Replies: 9
Views: 21742

Re: Makore and Lutz Tenor with Scrimshaw Inlay

It might have been some you offered up Martin, or some that Liam was getting rid of. Been on my shelves for years so don't recall.
by Allen
Thu Aug 22, 2019 7:06 am
Forum: Tutorials
Topic: End Graft Install - Video
Replies: 2
Views: 16799

Re: End Graft Install - Video

Yes, the endgraft sides have a curve to them. I cut them on my laser so they are the same every time. If you didn't have a laser then a different template could be used to either mark them and cut, or route. Previously I cut them by hand and inlaid by gluing the purfling to the edges, and then scrib...
by Allen
Wed Aug 21, 2019 4:59 pm
Forum: Tutorials
Topic: End Graft Install - Video
Replies: 2
Views: 16799

End Graft Install - Video

I get asked often how I manage to inlay the tapered shape of my end grafts so cleanly. It's pretty quick and easy with the set up I've built to fit my particular shape. Though dialing in everything did take some trial and error. It's amazing how much a difference 0.01mm will make to the fit when you...
by Allen
Wed Aug 21, 2019 2:41 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: New toy
Replies: 4
Views: 5562

Re: New toy

I have the Jet full size one and it's used virtually every single day. Fitting out a luthier shop I'd say it is a "Must Have".
by Allen
Mon Aug 19, 2019 3:56 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Blackwood Concert Ukulele
Replies: 3
Views: 8943

Re: Blackwood Concert Ukulele

Sound Sample of this uke by Kimo Hussey.

https://vimeo.com/354422294
by Allen
Tue Aug 13, 2019 6:57 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Veneer Softener
Replies: 5
Views: 7030

Re: Veneer Softener

Brush on (bottle didn't come with spray head) just so it wet each side. Let dry (about 15 minutes) and then spritz with water and bend on the iron are normal.
by Allen
Mon Aug 12, 2019 5:32 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Veneer Softener
Replies: 5
Views: 7030

Veneer Softener

I have a project coming up that I anticipate is going to be very difficult to bend the sides so got in a bottle of Veneer Softener from Carbatec. Today I had a set of extremely curly Aussie Blackwood that I've built with quite a bit and know I have to go slow and very careful, so decided that this w...
by Allen
Mon Aug 05, 2019 4:29 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Now more difficult to export
Replies: 12
Views: 13445

Re: Now more difficult to export

I had notice from my Post Office that it's the US and I think they said China that is enforcing rules that always were on the books. They want to know what's coming into the country before it even gets into the stream.
by Allen
Sun Aug 04, 2019 6:27 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Koi Pond Themed Tenor Ukulele
Replies: 8
Views: 22368

Re: Koi Pond Themed Tenor Ukulele

Dennis Leahy wrote:
Sun Aug 04, 2019 12:56 am
Have any of your ukuleles been "anointed by" Jake Shimabukuro, yet?
Thanks for the kind comments everyone. No, I'm not aware if Jake has played one of my ukuleles yet.
by Allen
Tue Jul 30, 2019 7:51 am
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Koi Pond Themed Tenor Ukulele
Replies: 8
Views: 22368

Re: Koi Pond Themed Tenor Ukulele

Thanks. I certainly loved doing the last few of these instruments. Re-ignited the passion.
by Allen
Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:20 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: Koi Pond Themed Tenor Ukulele
Replies: 8
Views: 22368

Koi Pond Themed Tenor Ukulele

Working with some new ideas and technique on this one. Body is Tiger Myrtle and Ancient Sitka Spruce with Blackwood bindings. Inlay made from pressure dyed Maple and Faux Ivory that was then scrimshaw shaded. Ancient Spruce - Tiger Myrtle Tenor-07292019-2.jpg Ancient Spruce - Tiger Myrtle Tenor-0729...