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Post by vikingblues on Dec 1, 2014 7:26:30 GMT
That wood looks even more delicious with the finish being applied! You're meeting your objective of it looking natural and not "high gloss".  More power to your elbow ... and arm too.  Mark |
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leoroberts
C.O.G. 
Posts: 26,148 
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Dec 1, 2014 7:45:11 GMT
You've got my address, haven't you colins? I presume I'll need to be in to in for it... Should have read "I presume I'll need to be in to sign for it" ... fat fingers often ruin punchlines  |
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Dec 1, 2014 8:51:54 GMT
It really looks jaw-dropping with that finish, Colin! |
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Post by colins on Dec 6, 2014 16:22:59 GMT
After a few distractions it's back to the guitar and making the bridge. This is going to be a Brazilian Rosewood bridge, using some old wood from a Victorian table, so should be well seasoned. First job is to cut the saddle slot, I use my basic router table for this and an 1/8" up-cut spiral bit. The blank is double taped to a very complex jig, a bit of plywood with the correct angled line drawn on it, and the blank lowered onto the spinning bit. End result, if I don't cock it up should be a blank with the saddle at the correct angle.  Next the positions for the bridge pins are marked using a graduated mask so that the gaps between the stings are the same. I then centre mark them and drill on the press with a 4mm drill.  Now I have a top with a 25' radius, so I need to radius the underside of the bridge to match, I do this on a 25' dome with sandpaper. Mark the underside of the bridge then sand till all of the markings are gone.   I'll refine this later in position on the actual guitar top. On to the bandsaw to cut out the bridge from the blank.  I shape the bridge on my spindle sander, and get a final weight of 25gms which is just where I want it to be.  Next I use a 5deg taper reamer to ream the pin holes to fit the pins, I leave them a bit proud at this point as the final fitting will take place after the bridge is glued on.  I then just counter-sink the pin holes and give the bridge a sand to 500 grit, and we have a finished bridge (well nearly finished).   So, tick tock, tick tock. Colin |
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Post by alexkirtley on Dec 6, 2014 19:09:04 GMT
It's nearly ready to sing, Colin!
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alig
C.O.G.
Posts: 1,059
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Post by alig on Dec 7, 2014 11:39:49 GMT
Carlsberg don't make guitars.
But if they did...
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Post by bobcarter on Dec 10, 2014 17:15:51 GMT
Oooh, the tension's mounting! Is the finish of the build being timed to coincide with the X-Factor final?  |
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Post by colins on Dec 13, 2014 16:43:28 GMT
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Phil Taylor
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Post by Phil Taylor on Dec 14, 2014 10:55:43 GMT
Looking good!! So bridge on today followed but the nut, saddle then strings  What do you use for the nut/saddle Colin, bone? Cheers Phil |
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Post by colins on Dec 14, 2014 12:25:05 GMT
Hopefully on this evening Phil if not tomorrow morning.
After the bridge is on I do have to cut the slots in the bridge pin holes for the strings. Like most custom builders I use solid unslotted pins so that the ball ends sit better on the bridge plate and don't carve chunks out of the bottom edge of the holes. But then yes it's nut, saddle and strings followed by the final set-up. Probably one of the best modifications you can make to a factory guitar is to slot the pin holes and change to unslotted pins.
I use camel bone for the nut and saddle, it's a bit harder than cow bone.
Colin
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Post by colins on Dec 14, 2014 16:55:41 GMT
Visitors and a big Sunday roast called time on putting on the bridge, but it'll get done in the morning. One thing I did start was putting some finish on my little bonus that comes with the guitar. If I have any spare wood left over from the neck layup, well I don't like wasting it, so I made a set of coasters from the neck cut-off. Just putting an oil finish on them. Now, you don't get that with a Martin!  Colin |
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Dec 14, 2014 17:17:46 GMT
Wow! Coasters as well! The neck (and the entire guitar) is a thing of beauty!  |
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Dec 14, 2014 17:51:21 GMT
Great bonus!Any left for consolation prizes?  K |
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Phil Taylor
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Post by Phil Taylor on Dec 14, 2014 18:55:36 GMT
Wow! Coasters as well! The neck (and the entire guitar) is a thing of beauty! Couldn't have put it better myself Phil |
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leoroberts
C.O.G.
Posts: 26,148
My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Dec 14, 2014 19:58:32 GMT
I use camel bone for the nut and saddle, it's a bit harder than cow bone. I've always said that... |
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Jo whoever he is.
