workshop startup questions

[Starter]

Hi,

I'm only a prenewbie, and in fact am planning to work up the ladder starting with a dulcimer, and then maybe mandolin, before a guitar, if I ever get that far; and on top of that I'm starting with kits. But I'm sure it's all about the journey.

That said, I'd like to do it right, with a clean shop, good storage and lighting, and good tools. I have books on how to set up a general woodworker's shop, and I assume the basic principles apply. But it would be interesting to know whether people have ideas about particularly useful discussions of this, including (I suppose) basic tool lists.

The more immediate question is, basement or garage? I have a basic workshop in the garage, but it's not a great place for doing careful work sitting down. Is there any reason not to put a workshop in the basement. I realize noise could be an issue, if we get into power tools, but my family is pretty tolerant. Are fumes going to be an issue? Would it be necessary to do the varnishing etc. in the garage?

Thanks,

Will

[SCGib68]

http://www.kitguitarsforum.com/board/index.php
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/v...um.php?f=10101
http://www.luthiercom.org/phpBB3/index.php
http://www.luthierforum.com/index.php?act=idx

I'd start with the kitguitarsforum based on what you've said so far. It's run by John Hall at Blues Creek Guitar. Great guy who is very helpful.

[Kitchen Guitars]

I second. Johns a great guy.

Also, maybe buy the Stew Mac Build a kit video. It shows you what you need and why.

[Rod True]

One thing that new builders seem to leave off their list, but IMO is of the utmost importance is climate control. If you really want your instruments to remain stable, make sure you stablize your building climate and most specifically relative humididy. IMO that's one of the first aspects you want to control.

So, knowing that, which area would be easier to control? The basement or the garage? Are either of them finished area? With insulation, vapor barrier, drywall? Are the areas heated (it's not fun to work in a cold shop over the winter).

If you already have a basic woodwork shop set up in the garage, then maybe you could set up a space in the basement to control the climate and to do your gluing and basic hand tool work. Leave the dust makers and noise makers out in the garage, storing the wood in the basement where it's controled.

The rest can fall into place when you get going. Try not to worry about specially tools, remember people made guitars and other stringed instruments long before side bending machines, special clamps, special fret slotting saws, binding cutter machines....etc. As they say, there's more than one way to skin a cat....and in instrument making, there are usually a half dozen ways or more