Search found 169 matches

by Marshall Dixon
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:30 pm
Forum: Wood and Materials Q&A
Topic: Steel & vinegar ebonizing
Replies: 7
Views: 870

Re: Steel & vinegar ebonizing

In the winter 1977 edition of Fine Woodworking magazine there was a letter to the editor regarding the use of this type of solution as part of a "gunstock" finish popular for the maple stocks of old muzzle loading rifles. The author recommended soaking the rusty nails ("very old and v...
by Marshall Dixon
Thu Sep 07, 2023 10:18 pm
Forum: String Instrument Repair: Practical and Political Issues
Topic: Filling in mahogany gap.
Replies: 10
Views: 11636

Re: Filling in mahogany gap.

Mike Perez wrote: Thu Sep 07, 2023 9:40 pm Would something like Timbermate be a simple solution?
I don't know if this will help but Titebond can be stained a gun metal blue color with tincture of iodine. I've done it where it came out quite dark after several applications though not a true black.
by Marshall Dixon
Sun Jun 11, 2023 10:41 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: Round Files and Rasputins
Replies: 7
Views: 8264

Re: Round Files and Rasputins

Oops, I was thinking of the string ramp above the nut on a slotted headstock. Nevertheless that Swiss made Grobet is one handy tool. I recently bought a Nicholson "4 in hand" too. It's a squared off version of the Grobet.
by Marshall Dixon
Sun Jun 11, 2023 4:43 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: Round Files and Rasputins
Replies: 7
Views: 8264

Re: Round Files and Rasputins

Twenty some years ago I bought one of these from Woodcraft but don't find it listed any longer on their website. IMG_1306.jpeg Looking online I see it's call a Grobet Swiss made pattern file. Coarse and medium cut. I'd say the medium is similar cut to 100 grit. Coarse is more aggressive but still sm...
by Marshall Dixon
Wed Feb 15, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: Problems with EnduroVar II, Time to Change
Replies: 5
Views: 6774

Re: Problems with EnduroVar II, Time to Change

The only thing I have first hand knowledge of is EMTEC 6000. And, except for touch up, have sprayed it. I always use the CL100 cross-linker because it makes sense when you read about it. I find that it needs more cure time than stated (and my shop is dehumidified). Brushing application wouldn't be m...
by Marshall Dixon
Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Small Body Maple Guitars.
Replies: 5
Views: 3583

Re: Small Body Maple Guitars.

How do you feel about Engelmann Spruce for steel string guitars? I'm not a huge fan, but I think it will work with the Maple on this small guitar. I've used Engelmann for the tops on several steel stringers with really good results. Two OM size with Broadleaf Maple and one O size with Indian Rosewo...
by Marshall Dixon
Tue Nov 08, 2022 8:35 pm
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: Sanding EM6000
Replies: 7
Views: 7079

Re: Sanding EM6000

I use a rotary buffer and once launched a guitar. Fortunately it didn't take off across the room. Just hit the back against the bench. The crack in the back got repaired nicely but not a good selling point. I used EM6000 (with the crosslinker) for 15 years or so. Sprayed 3 coats then level, 3 coats ...
by Marshall Dixon
Sat Oct 15, 2022 6:23 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: Electrifying a Radius Dish Sander
Replies: 10
Views: 10104

Re: Electrifying a Radius Dish Sander

For mine the motor is from an old washing machine; 1/4 horse, 1750 rpm. Mounted in a box with a hinge at the bottom so the bearing shaft leans against the drive plate rim at just the right angle. The weight of the motor provides good traction. The sanding platform is 24 inches diameter and the edge ...
by Marshall Dixon
Sun Sep 18, 2022 12:42 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: What Drum Sander?
Replies: 7
Views: 3723

Re: What Drum Sander?

Grizzly tools has a 10" and several 18" open end models "ready to ship." Don't know how they compare functionally or weather they come with the stand pictured, but 18" is in the price range to what you're considering.
by Marshall Dixon
Thu Sep 15, 2022 11:46 am
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: Finishing a steel wool-and-vinegar application
Replies: 10
Views: 10904

Re: Finishing a steel wool-and-vinegar application

Yes the waterborne finishes are noted for muting the coloration of the wood grain. Typically I'll use a sealer coat of shellac to emphasize the texture before their use. Recently though I finished a top of sugar pine, which has many resin channels. Previously I had tried to fill with epoxy, shellac/...
by Marshall Dixon
Wed Sep 14, 2022 1:16 pm
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: Finishing a steel wool-and-vinegar application
Replies: 10
Views: 10904

Re: Finishing a steel wool-and-vinegar application

Hello all, I was curious if anyone had found a finish that maintains the color/tint of the steel/wool application? I haven't tried poly or lacquer yet. You're right, it's a dye as opposed to a stain. I've used a "gunstock" finish in the past which is a two step dye combining the vinegar/i...
by Marshall Dixon
Thu Aug 11, 2022 1:06 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: First post… questions
Replies: 20
Views: 38967

Re: First post… questions

First mistake I made was installing the truss rod upside down, and I’m taking steps to fix that now. I did the same thing with the truss rod on my first build but didn't realize it until after it was strung up. Several things to consider when putting a dome or contour into the sides with a hand pla...
by Marshall Dixon
Sat Jul 23, 2022 11:54 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Bending some Mahogany questions
Replies: 17
Views: 5752

Re: Bending some Mahogany questions

The picture you posted of the crack in the sides was on the inside of the bend. I usually experience cracks on the outside, but have only used mahogany twice (without any problem). I fold a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper around the side piece after spritzing both sides with water. It help...
by Marshall Dixon
Mon May 30, 2022 2:35 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Spacers on the back of a guitar?
Replies: 9
Views: 6626

Re: Spacers on the back of a guitar?

Depending on the finish of your guitar you could apply something like a thin vinyl material or double layer veneer with double stick tape. Make it a deep as needed. I've seen thin adhesive kitchen counter top edging material that might be layered by stacking it inside to outside to build up depth. I...
by Marshall Dixon
Mon May 30, 2022 11:27 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Wisconsin to Arizona Guitar?
Replies: 1
Views: 1555

Re: Wisconsin to Arizona Guitar?

You'll need a room dehumidifier that works for the room size. I live in SW Oregon inland from the coast but on a river. The humidity varies quite a bit. I keep the thing running around the clock from about two weeks before I begin construction until after the box is closed and sealed. The wood is ag...
by Marshall Dixon
Sun May 29, 2022 11:07 am
Forum: Wood and Materials Q&A
Topic: 43cm long soundboard
Replies: 6
Views: 7951

Re: 43cm long soundboard

That size would work for a requinto.
by Marshall Dixon
Sun May 15, 2022 10:33 am
Forum: String Instrument Repair: Practical and Political Issues
Topic: Bridge torn off of cedar top
Replies: 10
Views: 4872

Re: Bridge torn off of cedar top

When I make a pin bridge I slot the holes so the string fits into the slot and the ball end pulls up on the bridge plate and the pin merely holds it in position. The pin holes in that bridge are not slotted and am wondering if this contributed to the lifting of the bridge. Plus the joint appears a l...
by Marshall Dixon
Fri May 13, 2022 12:36 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: Electrifying a Radius Dish Sander
Replies: 10
Views: 10104

Re: Electrifying a Radius Dish Sander

D07E354B-99AA-40D6-8ADB-D9BD225BF847.jpeg Here's mine. Like Barry I use a 16" lazy susan bearing. Direct drive like you see used on a carnival ride. The motor is separate, mounted on a hinge and leans against the bottom plate with an 'O' ring on the drive collar that grabs the perimeter. The d...
by Marshall Dixon
Sun Apr 17, 2022 9:57 am
Forum: Glues and Finishes
Topic: Waterbased. Varathane satin or General Finishes satin?
Replies: 2
Views: 2629

Re: Waterbased. Varathane satin or General Finishes satin?

Here's a link to the talkbass thread pg. 83 that gives an overview up to that thread's page. Go down to post #1648. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/using-water-based-products-for-instrument-finishing-target-coatings-9000-6000-and-varathane-wb.1116168/page-83 I started spraying yesterday. Right out ...

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