Search found 254 matches

by Darrel Friesen
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:05 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: Planning a workbench, any tips?
Replies: 20
Views: 25183

Re: Planning a workbench, any tips?

I have a traditional bench with a Tucker vise which is fantastic and a Veritas twin screw on one end. It's great for both traditional and guitar building but definitely not necessary for just guitars. I built an L shaped one (4' x 4' and 24" depth) based on input from Alan Carruth and others an...
by Darrel Friesen
Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:52 pm
Forum: String Instrument Repair: Practical and Political Issues
Topic: Cutting fret slots failed. And now?
Replies: 35
Views: 29603

Re: Cutting fret slots failed. And now?

Recovery and fixing mistakes is the mark of a good builder Beate!
by Darrel Friesen
Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:48 am
Forum: Wood and Materials Q&A
Topic: Steel & vinegar ebonizing
Replies: 7
Views: 836

Re: Steel & vinegar ebonizing

I agree that what most of what we call vinegar (household) is weak. Acetic acid in industrial strength will peel paint off steel very quickly. The canning vinegar you can buy is usually somewhat stronger than household white vinegar. I've often read about using it for ebonizing higher tannin woods b...
by Darrel Friesen
Fri Feb 16, 2024 8:33 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Neck dovetail with a rounded body
Replies: 6
Views: 1120

Re: Neck dovetail with a rounded body

I haven't tried the cross dowel attachment yet Alan as hanger bolts have worked so well for me. Even my old Stewmac 000 plan shows hanger bolts. Combined with furniture assembly nuts, they are likely somewhat lighter than using cross dowel nuts and headed bolts.
by Darrel Friesen
Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:24 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Neck dovetail with a rounded body
Replies: 6
Views: 1120

Re: Neck dovetail with a rounded body

Call me crazy but after doing my first few guitars using dovetails, I started doing bolt ons. Way easier for this, resets etc. YMMV of course but dovetails are declining IMHO. There's no magic sound gain or difference.
by Darrel Friesen
Thu Feb 01, 2024 12:01 am
Forum: Wood and Materials Q&A
Topic: Flame maple coping with flame chip out
Replies: 7
Views: 2313

Re: Flame maple coping with flame chip out

I had to resort to a carving disc and abrasive sanding on a quilt maple archtop after having tried every weapon in my arsenal. Good luck.
by Darrel Friesen
Wed Jan 31, 2024 11:58 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Silvertone parlor back loose.
Replies: 6
Views: 2494

Re: Silvertone parlor back loose.

Good advice Barry. I have an almost survivor that I'll use that treatment on.
by Darrel Friesen
Wed Jan 24, 2024 10:51 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Guild 12 strings
Replies: 8
Views: 12706

Re: Guild 12 strings

000 bracing with nothing other than a little wider and taller.
by Darrel Friesen
Sun Jan 21, 2024 6:43 pm
Forum: Ukuleles
Topic: Paisley Ukulele
Replies: 6
Views: 11777

Re: Paisley Ukulele

Looks great Teresa. Ukuleles punch way above their weight!
by Darrel Friesen
Sun Jan 21, 2024 6:27 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Guild 12 strings
Replies: 8
Views: 12706

Re: Guild 12 strings

I built this 000 12 string about 15 years ago with advice from Alan Carruth and others. Cedar top was 10 thou or so thicker than a 6 string and braces a little wider and taller as well. Cedar top and mahogany back and sides. Still doing well and sounds great according to my sister! https://i.imgur.c...
by Darrel Friesen
Sun Jan 21, 2024 6:12 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Notches in rims for brace ends
Replies: 4
Views: 1548

Re: Notches in rims for brace ends

I feather mine to nothing on the ends similar to some Martins. Probably because I'm lazy, but works well for me and saves notching.
by Darrel Friesen
Mon Jan 08, 2024 7:07 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Carbon fiber bridge plate
Replies: 6
Views: 14842

Re: Carbon fiber bridge plate

Ha! So much to do and so little time.
by Darrel Friesen
Sun Jan 07, 2024 8:00 pm
Forum: Ukuleles
Topic: Paisley Ukulele
Replies: 6
Views: 11777

Re: Paisley Ukulele

Looks great. Not sure what went wrong for you but glued butt joints on ukuleles are pretty common with some pretty big builders.
by Darrel Friesen
Sun Jan 07, 2024 7:53 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Carbon fiber bridge plate
Replies: 6
Views: 14842

Re: Carbon fiber bridge plate

That's one of the reasons I've not jumped in feet first on carbon fiber.
by Darrel Friesen
Wed May 31, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: My Side Port Binding Process (LONG)
Replies: 20
Views: 20891

Re: My Side Port Binding Process (LONG)

Great work Eric. There's more than one way to skin a cat.
by Darrel Friesen
Tue May 09, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: Headstock Drill Jig
Replies: 2
Views: 5661

Re: Headstock Drill Jig

Looks good. I made a similar one but added hardened drill guides bought from LeeValley if I recall.
by Darrel Friesen
Mon Feb 06, 2023 11:15 pm
Forum: Tools and Jigs
Topic: Cracked Corsair smooth plane
Replies: 5
Views: 8631

Re: Cracked Corsair smooth plane

Welding is possible if the right skilled guy is doing it. Brazing is easier for those not so skilled. JB weld works but is much less elegant and likely won't have the longevity.
by Darrel Friesen
Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Wood and Materials Q&A
Topic: Using persimmon
Replies: 9
Views: 10651

Re: Using persimmon

That's some good looking wood Dale.
by Darrel Friesen
Sun Jan 22, 2023 7:31 pm
Forum: Flat-Top Acoustic Guitars and Bass Guitars
Topic: Side reinforcement strips
Replies: 9
Views: 7312

Re: Side reinforcement strips

Detail.jpgReady for the next phase.jpgI'm making my first guitar and am experimenting with maple side reinforcement strips. They are under the linings and run from rim to rim. The kerfed bits covering them are a bit awkward; I may redo them before committing to the top / back glue up. The neck bloc...

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