advice sought on first build.

gavdav
Club Regular

re-inspired

Posts: 322

My main instrument is: Nigel Forster Model B

advice sought on first build. Dec 15, 2015 14:09:39 GMT

Quote

Post by gavdav on Dec 15, 2015 14:09:39 GMT

Ok - I'm going to build somehting... I think I'm going to go with a mountain banjo as a first build - I have some Cherry boards, a beech neck blank and an ebony fingerboard blank.

My tools are limited - hand tools really, but I also have an electric pillar drill, electric hand plane, many (acoustic) hand planes and potential access to a band saw at work.

I've opted for an instrument which theoretically can be made of pretty much anything, and with minimal tools.

What I want to know is how I even begin to thickness the fingerboard blank. (it's about a cm at present) Do I use a shooting board/bench hook setup? I'm not sure how to even clamp the blank and still be able to run even the hand plane over it.

experts please help!

David White guitar bodied Cittern 2006
Nigel Forster Model B 2005
Kai Toenjes Cittern 2003
Fylde Oberon 1977
Fylde Magician 2001

garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker

Posts: 460

My main instrument is: Stanley No.5

advice sought on first build. Dec 15, 2015 16:52:46 GMT gavdav likes this

Quote

Post by garynava on Dec 15, 2015 16:52:46 GMT

By hand eh?
Get a flat workboard eg 18 to 25mm MDF about twice the size of fretboard so that there's room to clamp it to your bench.
At one end fix a piece of scrap 6mm plywood. This acts as a stop for the end of the fretboard to rest against. And plane!
You might find that some double sided tape will help the board stay in place. Once you’re down to about 7mm use abrasive paper to sand it, just in case the grain tears up. I'd stick coarse paper onto a piece of aluminium tube to ensure straightness.
Hope that makes sense.

Cheers Gary

Gary Nava: luthier

richm Luthier / Guitar Maker Posts: 47	advice sought on first build. Dec 21, 2015 20:59:13 GMT alig, garynava, and 1 more like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by richm on Dec 21, 2015 20:59:13 GMT I would also definitely tuck the electric planer under your workbench until you have finished making your instrument! No good will come from using it... Unless you're hanging a door Rich
	www.richardmeyrickguitars.co.uk www.facebook.com/richardmeyrickguitars/

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Post by gavdav on Dec 15, 2015 14:09:39 GMT

Post by garynava on Dec 15, 2015 16:52:46 GMT

Post by richm on Dec 21, 2015 20:59:13 GMT

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