Replies

1. 
   stantheman | Sep 27, 2022 07:39pm | #1

   That's great whtoakman. I'd be interested in knowing the investment in specialized tools you needed to make to do this right.

2. 
   _mj_ | Sep 27, 2022 08:24pm | #2

   Nice!! Scratch build? Kit build? Tell us more!

3. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Sep 28, 2022 09:04am | #3

   I've been making baritone ukuleles for the past few years and it does make you feel like a super-woodworker. I get done and think "If I can make that, I can make anything!".

   Stan - Unfortunately, there is a decent amount of specialized tools required. I'm building two right now and trying to figure out exactly what is required and what is just nice to have. If you have the money, LMI and StewMac make great products that make everything a lot easier. A lot of them can be made redundant by time and skill though. I run short on both of those things, so these days I've been turning to 3d printing for specialized jigs.

1. 
   john_c2 | Sep 28, 2022 10:48am | #4

   I'd love to hear more about printing jigs.

1. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Sep 28, 2022 11:18am | #5

   I've been thinking about doing a series of posts about 3d printers in the woodshop. A lot of what I do is specifically for luthiery, but there are a LOT of great woodworking prints floating out there.

1. 
   john_c2 | Sep 28, 2022 12:11pm | #6

   That's a great idea.

1. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Sep 28, 2022 01:11pm | #8

   All noted!

   Now back to whtoakman's guitars!

4. 
   _mj_ | Sep 28, 2022 12:31pm | #7

   I'd love to see that. I have one that I used for some early prototyping for Tailspin Tools.., it's been gathering dust for a few years.

5. 
   whtoakman | Sep 28, 2022 02:01pm | #9

   It can be an expensive hobby. I was lucky and had the wood on hand. Black walnut for back and sides, mahogany for necks and some old growth Port Orford cedar for soundboards. I bought the ebony blanks for fret boards. The tools are expensive and most people try to make their own as much as they can. Such as cam clamps and home made bending iron. Some things like good nut files just make it easier. I bought a couple of good books and watched a lot of videos on YouTube. Very exciting. All parts are very light and thin. Each step must be done well before moving on to next. Not much wiggle room for mistakes. Really like any good project.

6. 
   joeleonetti | Sep 28, 2022 02:08pm | #10

   If I were to do it all over again and not be allowed to be a scientist (been an awesome rewarding career), I'd likely become a luthier. To me, there is some beauty in making some from wood that then goes on to produce beautiful music. Likely violins and I would likely get the training in Italy. Funny thing is, I dont' play any musical instruments. Just love their sounds and the videos I've watched make it look like a satisifying job.

7. 
   john_c2 | Sep 28, 2022 03:49pm | #11

   I've never seen a hobby that turned out to be cheap. If we like it a lot, and do it a lot, we end up spending a lot.