Into Deep End

[sam]

Wood is on its way; Trevor & Gerard's book is getting a workout, so I'm in. Thanks for your encouragement.

Sam

[kiwigeo]

First rule of luthiery....the pool is deep at BOTH ends. No pansying about in the kiddies pool with floaties on.......

[charangohabsburg]

Second rule: the water in the pool is black, so you don't have the slightest chance to see how deep it really is!

[kiwigeo]

Second rule: the water in the pool is black, so you don't have the slightest chance to see how deep it really is!

Third Rule: who cares how deep it is.....in we go regardless!!

[Nick]

While we're in a "pool" frame of mind.
Fourth rule: Don't try emulating Micheal Phelps straight out of the blocks. Take your time, make every stroke the best it can be & be extremely happy to complete the distance but critical of your finishing position.
If you think the last guitar you've completed is good enough, you will never improve grasshopper!

[Kim]

Trevor and Gerard's book set is great. But at the risk of whipping the pony into a red dead porridge, I will add rule 5:

Get a 'good' quality straightedge and a 'good' quality square...Don't skimp here, far better to pay too much IMO because you'll be reminded every time you pick them up of how important they are.

They're 'the' reference....If you have machinery you will use these tool to setup to produce flat and square stock. If you don't have machenery then get them anyway because you will use both extensively to check many thinks along the way. e.g. woodworkers only build jigs to accomplish consistency when faced with challenging or laborious task. Unless you have true references to begin with, then you stand every chance of wasting more money on material than these good quality tools would cost when you discover the many hours invested can only produce consistently unacceptable results.

Cheers

Kim

[woodrat]

Go for it Sam! Good advice above from the brethren:)

John

[sam]

I really appreciate the interest you have all shown. I am a plodder, so taking my time comes naturally!!

Thanks also for the tool wisdom - probably everyone's favourite subject, I'm guessing. I'm in the bush, about
five hours from Sydney, so would like to do my tool buying the next time I'm there. I have wanted a good bandsaw
forever, so would welcome knowing a brand and vendor.

If I could have some input on planes, I'll start drawing up a shopping list. Current inventory: no.2 Stanley; Craftsman (250mm X 60mm sole) and a wooden 'Ulmia' brand, about the same size. Those planes have 45 degree blades and are in good nick. I also have a small block plane (140mm X 42mm sole) and 22 degree blade) number on it is 108, no brand, good nick. What others should I have on the list? Vendors?

I'm pretty right for space and lighting in the shed. I'm within 300 m of the local weather station. We have pretty large
variations in RH throughout the day, but surprisingly, it stays around the 50% mark at night. I have r/c air con in the work space. What do I need for more control?

Thanks for your input and encouragement.

Sam