Building my first guitar.

[SteveS]

Bill, that guitar does look great. What wood is that?

[Bill Nichols (CaptBill)]

Koa, it has a decent amount of figure.

[SteveS]

I made a shooting board. Here I show my cedar tops. I am making the edges straight to join them. I hold the pieces together and check with a bright light to make sure the edges match up perfectly. I learned how to sharpen the plane blade. I think I could shave with it.

http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=124

http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=125

Here is a picture of a circle cutter. It is Dremmel with a router attachment modified with an oak block and a shoulder bolt. The assembly rotates on the 3/8" dia shoulder bolt. The 1/4-20 shcs allow the radius to be adjusted and locked in by slidding on the 2 rods. I use my calipers to set the diameter from the shoulder bolt to the cutter. I can maintain tolerances within a few thousandths of an inch - that'd be good enough. Tapping into oak works out great - no insert required. I like to follow up the threads with some Loctite CA.

http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=122

shcs = socket head cap screw

[SteveS]

I've been working a bit on it. A made a new mold, (OM-000 size) bent the sides, glued the sides together with the neck and heel blocks, shaped the sides, added kerfing, and added side braces.
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=143
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=161
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=147
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=145
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=145http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=164

I made a back wedge for it...
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=140
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=163
The wedge is lined with flamed maple.

Wow I'm having fun!

[Cisco]

Very Nice Dr Franken....I mean Steve...

[SteveS]

Originally Posted by Cisco

Very Nice Dr Franken....I mean Steve...

Thanks Dad!

[Bill Cory]

Steve -- That looks beautiful. You've put a lot of time into your jigs and body moulds, too. I notice you're using Cumpiano/Natelson, but you went with the body mould instead of their workboard solution. I was just wondering why. Also, have you checked the revisions of Cumpiano's book on his website? (cumpiano.com)

Your work looks great. That tailpiece is tasteful and well done.

I'm starting my StewMac 000 Rosewood kit and subbing a cedar top from LMI at 11 a.m. today. Wheee.

[Charlies3]

I've had my eye on that Stewmac 000 kit. Did you get the bolt-on or dove tail neck? Keep us up to date.

[Bill Nichols (CaptBill)]

Wow!!

you are doing a great job!!
I see a new career on the horizon for you

[SteveS]

Originally Posted by Will Franklin

Steve -- That looks beautiful. You've put a lot of time into your jigs and body moulds, too. I notice you're using Cumpiano/Natelson, but you went with the body mould instead of their workboard solution. I was just wondering why. Also, have you checked the revisions of Cumpiano's book on his website? (cumpiano.com)

Thanks Will. I'm going with the mold for several reasons. Probably the main reason is that I am going to have a radiused top and back. The mold is the best way I know to add the radius to the sides/kerfing. I've done a lot of reading and asking questions on how to build. What I hear most builders say is that this is their technique, there are many other good ways to do this step, find what works for you. So I am using traditional techniques from various sources.
Yes I have checked out Cumpiano's website. I like the barrel nut approach better than the threaded insert.

That tailpiece is tasteful and well done.

Thanks again. Being my first, I was scared when I made it, but I am happy with the way it looks. (Am I allowed to say that?)

I'm starting my StewMac 000 Rosewood kit and subbing a cedar top from LMI at 11 a.m. today.

This guitar is basically a deep-bodied 000. I'm making it with rosewood and a cedar top too.
Does anyone know where I can fid a case for that?
I hope you have as much fun as I am. I've read some horror stories, I hope we avoid all that.

[koaguitarman]

Way to go Steve. I can tell you are proud of what you have done, as well you should be. Keep us updated more often and keep up the good work. I hope to be able to play that guitar someday, PLEASE!
Congrats!
Russ

[classicalman]

Steve, WoW! great job. Your jigs and molds are terrific and I, too, love the tasty tail piece. You are making great progress - please post more pictures as you move along...

[SteveS]

You guys are very encouraging. Thanks! I hope to have it done in time for the So Cal thing in April, but I will not rush it.
Russ, of course you can play it. One day, maybe I can build you a guitar. I’m thinking maybe something in koa.

[SteveS]

I've been doing a little work on making a neck.
Here is a scarf cutting tool for the table saw.

http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=150
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=151
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=152

Bonding the scarf joint.

http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=154
http://groups.msn.com/SLSavilleFamil...to&PhotoID=155

[wthurman]

Steve, if there's one thing you're showing me - it's that I don't have the skill sets OR the time OR the tools to build a guitar, as much as I'd like to. Maybe a resonator someday still, but...

I'm really, truly impressed!

Take care,

Wade