NZ: Beginner hobbyist, couple of questions

[Spykerwolf]

Hey guys. Just discovered this forum
I won't call myself a Luthier, more a hobbyist since I haven't actually build my own guitar yet. I love learning about guitars though. I find it extremely interesting to experiment,restore and play guitar. I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

At the moment I'm restoring a cheap classical guitar. It's worth $50 maybe, but it's been a family guitar so it has some sentimental value to me. I just have to glue the bridge on now, but I don't have a caul or clamp to do it.
Finally my questions - where does everyone source their caul/clamps from? I don't know any other luthiers (I'm in Auckland if anyone is keen to help) in my area, so relying on youtube etc to help me.

If someone from Auckland sees this, would it be possible to borrow the caul/clamp?
Thanks in advance guys, have an awesome day.

[kiwigeo]

Hey guys. Just discovered this forum
I won't call myself a Luthier, more a hobbyist since I haven't actually build my own guitar yet. I love learning about guitars though. I find it extremely interesting to experiment,restore and play guitar. I have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with.

At the moment I'm restoring a cheap classical guitar. It's worth $50 maybe, but it's been a family guitar so it has some sentimental value to me. I just have to glue the bridge on now, but I don't have a caul or clamp to do it.
Finally my questions - where does everyone source their caul/clamps from? I don't know any other luthiers (I'm in Auckland if anyone is keen to help) in my area, so relying on youtube etc to help me.

If someone from Auckland sees this, would it be possible to borrow the caul/clamp?
Thanks in advance guys, have an awesome day.

Welcome to the forum Spykerwoolf.

Clamps for bridge glue up......I generally use long reach clamps specifically designed for bridge work. A caul for clamping up a classical bridge is usually custom made for each instrument as brace, bridge dimensions are variable. Its normal to make up a caul when the top is off the guitar but for a repair job one trick is to put a bright LED light inside the guitar and then trace brace and bridge patch (if present)layout onto a piece of paper laid over the top. From this drawing a caul can be made up. What sort of glue do you plan to use for the bridge glue up?

[Spykerwolf]

Hi Martin thanks for the quick response
Interesting, I did not know I had to custom make the caul...bummer!
At the moment I have Titebond Wood Glue, would you recommend that?
Also where did you buy the long reach clamps?

Thanks!

[kiwigeo]

Hi Martin thanks for the quick response
Interesting, I did not know I had to custom make the caul...bummer!
At the moment I have Titebond Wood Glue, would you recommend that?
Also where did you buy the long reach clamps?

Thanks!

Titebond should do the job, Titebond I the preferred of the three variants of this glue.
The clamps I use came from Stewmac but if you're on a tight budget you may have to go for a more conventional clamp.....throat size is the critical factor. Long reach Cam clamps would be the preferred alternative but again theyre usually not a common item in a hardware store.

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[Spykerwolf]

Thanks Martin. I might just have to invest in the clamps now, and then atleast I know it's 1 less tool to get later XD

[kiwigeo]

Thanks Martin. I might just have to invest in the clamps now, and then atleast I know it's 1 less tool to get later XD

If things are tight you can make your own cam clamps.....viewtopic.php?t=6812

[seeaxe]

Hi Will
I can help you with this. Ill pm you.
Cheers
Richard

[Spykerwolf]

Hi Will
I can help you with this. Ill pm you.
Cheers
Richard

Thanks Richard, appreciate it!