Search found 25 matches

by Rick Milliken
Fri Jan 29, 2021 2:31 am
Forum: Other Stringed Instruments
Topic: Mandolin - small archtop guitar or completely different?
Replies: 9
Views: 18400

Re: Mandolin - small archtop guitar or completely different?

Agree that if you’ve done an archtop guitar, the mandolin is easier, A style at least. I got a set of roger siminoff plans. Making the forms and templates were almost as much work as the plates. I had trouble with the neck joint but some of that’s of my own doing.
by Rick Milliken
Wed Dec 18, 2019 1:05 am
Forum: String Instrument Repair: Practical and Political Issues
Topic: Cello reassembly
Replies: 5
Views: 8868

Re: Cello reassembly

Sounds like with the equipment at hand, you’ve covered what I’d be concerned about, the alignment of the neck when you attach the top. Interesting job!
by Rick Milliken
Tue Dec 10, 2019 10:32 am
Forum: The Soundhole
Topic: "Search user's posts" not working for me
Replies: 11
Views: 20783

Re: "Search user's posts" not working for me

+1, same problem as peter General Error SQL ERROR [ mysql4 ] Expression #1 of ORDER BY clause is not in SELECT list, references column 'mimf_phpb437.p.post_time' which is not in SELECT list; this is incompatible with DISTINCT [3065] An SQL error occurred while fetching this page. Please contact the ...
by Rick Milliken
Wed Oct 30, 2019 12:17 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Force required to fret a guitar string?
Replies: 14
Views: 17074

Re: Force required to fret a guitar string?

Sorry about your accident, not good! I've been wondering about fretless. I don't know if that would be easier or not and would be curious to hear. I've got arthritis in my hands and can manage the fiddle and a little banjo, but guitar is just not happening. (admittedly, strongly suspect technique to...
by Rick Milliken
Thu Oct 17, 2019 9:38 pm
Forum: Ukuleles
Topic: Old Member Quit Building for 1.5 Decade Becomes Ukulele Builder
Replies: 12
Views: 24832

Re: Old Member Quit Building for 1.5 Decade Becomes Ukulele Builder

Nice build. What are the woods? The fretboard and bridge wood, especially, are quite a unique looking wood.
by Rick Milliken
Mon Sep 30, 2019 2:23 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Lacquer available in canada
Replies: 16
Views: 18260

Re: Lacquer available in canada

Late to the discussion but I’ll add this just in case. I came across a product through a Benjamin Moore dealer, Old Masters Brushing Lacquer. It’s packaged as a nitro-cellulose lacquer meant to be brushed on. I experimented a bit with it but decided against using it much just because of the fumes. B...
by Rick Milliken
Sat Jul 27, 2019 10:02 pm
Forum: Other Stringed Instruments
Topic: Dulcimer sides
Replies: 43
Views: 32636

Re: Dulcimer sides

Something along these lines? I started with a similar but smaller version that I used on the drill press with small drum. It doesn’t show here but there are 3 adjusting bolts on one end. The middle sets the depth/thickness. Top and bottom adjust to keep it Square to the drum. https://live.staticflic...
by Rick Milliken
Sat Jul 27, 2019 9:45 pm
Forum: Archtop Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Archtop Tenor Uke
Replies: 7
Views: 8378

Re: Archtop Tenor Uke

Very nice, love the maple! Is the top x-braced or?
by Rick Milliken
Tue Jul 23, 2019 12:10 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: hot air gun for bending binding?
Replies: 18
Views: 24825

Re: hot air gun for bending binding?

I’ve used the hot air gun for removing fingerboards and plates for repairs. Mostly to try something really cheap, I rigged up this for bending. I used it on violin sides and linings and for small pieces of bindings for repairs. They are curling irons I picked up at a salvage place for a buck. Not en...
by Rick Milliken
Fri Apr 05, 2019 11:54 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: First Cello Build
Replies: 52
Views: 88168

Re: First Cello Build

For what it’s worth, I have done rub joints on both spruce and maple with no issues. Admittedly only a few time, so not talking from depths of experience. The largest was for a archtop, so still smaller than cello, but worked fine.
by Rick Milliken
Fri Mar 29, 2019 9:38 pm
Forum: Detailed Builds/Tutorials
Topic: First Cello Build
Replies: 52
Views: 88168

Re: First Cello Build

I love the mold set up, especially how versatile the clamping system is, brilliant! Off to a great start, watching with interest
by Rick Milliken
Thu Mar 14, 2019 5:19 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Best straight edge size for tuning up guitars
Replies: 9
Views: 9396

Re: Best straight edge size for tuning up guitars

similar idea to David's, I took an aluminum framing square (cheap). Cut it into two pieces then using my machined straight edge (expensive) as a reference, sanded the edges flat.
by Rick Milliken
Fri Mar 08, 2019 12:00 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Need a method for easy/reliable top/back removal
Replies: 30
Views: 22976

Re: Need a method for easy/reliable top/back removal

+ 1 for the hot hide glue. I think one of the other posts mentioned using HHG and paper. That’s a great add on to the idea. We used to, in the dark ages before multi jawed chucks for lathes were common, glue bowl blanks on to waste and then fasten them to a faceplate. We just used kraft paper, a chu...
by Rick Milliken
Wed Jan 30, 2019 11:14 am
Forum: Archtop Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Another 17" archtop
Replies: 12
Views: 18402

Re: Another 17" archtop

Thanks guys. That pretty much sums up my experience with fir as well, so REALLY well done on that top!
by Rick Milliken
Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:53 pm
Forum: Archtop Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Another 17" archtop
Replies: 12
Views: 18402

Re: Another 17" archtop

Very nice!

I’m curious how the Doug fir was to work? I’ve never worked with fir that fine grained.
by Rick Milliken
Mon Nov 05, 2018 2:14 pm
Forum: Wood and Materials Q&A
Topic: Exasperatedly sanding cocobolo
Replies: 16
Views: 16748

Re: Exasperatedly sanding cocobolo

Would a scraper cut to the right radius get you there? Final polish with a scotch brite pad? That's what I've done on violin fingerboards, but never tried specifically on cocobolo.
by Rick Milliken
Fri Sep 14, 2018 10:09 pm
Forum: Archtop Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: tone and volume on top plate actual effect?
Replies: 15
Views: 15058

Re: tone and volume on top plate actual effect?

Brian, thanks for asking the question! The responses have been very informative. But, mostly I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that struggles with the notion of drilling holes and adding buttons, switches and wiring to my "pride and joy"!
by Rick Milliken
Thu Sep 13, 2018 10:24 pm
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: Old shellac flakes a problem?
Replies: 9
Views: 9575

Re: Old shellac flakes a problem?

I’ll further muddy the shellac. I had a similar problem not long ago with methyl from the same source. I’ve been using Everclear, but ran out, so just used some methyl for a small batch. The difference for me is that in my case the shellac was fresh, open no more than a week or two. I’ve no proof, b...
by Rick Milliken
Sat Sep 08, 2018 12:05 am
Forum: Jam Session
Topic: Just want to say thanks...
Replies: 8
Views: 9543

Re: Just want to say thanks...

Well said!
by Rick Milliken
Sun Aug 26, 2018 2:06 am
Forum: Other Stringed Instruments
Topic: Help with D'Angelico plane
Replies: 12
Views: 13014

Re: Help with D'Angelico plane

I agree with Barry, I’m not familiar with the LMI version but try flipping the blade over. I’ve made my own small planes and I use them bevel down. Similar to him, I sharpen with 8000 water stone and then strop with green compound on leather.

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