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  #1  
Old 09-28-2020, 10:13 PM
okbob okbob is offline
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Default Table Saw for soundboards

Dear community,

I am a complete beginner in woodworking, so forgive me if my question is naive. I have a couple hand tools, but no power tool yet.

I'd like to build a sort of rectangular "soundbox" made out of soundboard material.
I would like to know if a standard table saw can do clean straight cuts on typical guitar soundboards, and if so, what type of blades would be appropriate.
Or if for such thin pieces of softwood, one would recommend a bandsaw instead.

All I need is to be able to cut relatively precisely rectangular shapes from a soundboard (spruce or similar, 2-5mm thick).

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best,
Bob
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  #2  
Old 09-29-2020, 09:16 AM
Nahil.R Nahil.R is offline
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Hi Bob,

I too would still consider myself very much a beginner woodworker and would recommend the following:

1. Decent japanese pull saws (flush cut / low TPI for ripping / high TPI for more fine cuts).
2. Sharp chisels.
3. Hand planes (smaller ones and a large no. 7 if you plan on smoothing large pieces and for jointing).
4. Dremel with base (or other suitable rotary tool).

I may be missing a few things and I am sure others will chime in but you do not need a table saw or even a bandsaw really to build a guitar. The experience will be a lot more rewarding as well and you will learn many valuable lessons along the way.

Hope this helps.

Stay safe!

Nahil.
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  #3  
Old 09-29-2020, 09:22 AM
John Arnold John Arnold is online now
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A hollow ground plywood blade works fine for this.
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  #4  
Old 09-29-2020, 10:18 AM
The Watchman The Watchman is offline
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Here's a good place to ask questions. Sawmill Creek is a woodworking forum with a subform on musical instrument making: https://sawmillcreek.org/forumdispla...al-Instruments
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  #5  
Old 09-29-2020, 05:02 PM
CaffeinatedOne CaffeinatedOne is offline
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If you already have a table saw, a fine toothed combination or plywood blade is great. If you don't have one, don't be too quick to buy one. The suggestion about Japanese pull saws is a really good one; they are very controllable.
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Last edited by CaffeinatedOne; 09-30-2020 at 05:16 AM.
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  #6  
Old 09-29-2020, 06:23 PM
tadol tadol is offline
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You might consider a straightedge and a veneer saw -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brCNrspWJGU
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  #7  
Old 09-29-2020, 09:15 PM
okbob okbob is offline
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Thank you all for the great suggestions, I will explore these options.
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  #8  
Old 10-01-2020, 05:43 PM
Zigeuner Zigeuner is offline
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Default Bandsaw.

Try a bandsaw. You'll be glad that you did.
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