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My First Build: What I've Learned So Far

I'm only a 24 hours into my first "proof-of-concept" build, but I've already learned a number of things.

Mistake number 1 was buying a 2x2 board instead of 1x2. The idea at the time of purchase was, since some people here have said they like having a big plank inside the box, a 2x2 board was going to give me more wood than a 1x2.

The flip side is that since I am mostly using hand tools, I am carving away close to an inch of wood for the neck with a surform file and a rasp. And the monotony of it is taking its toll on my patience. Simple or complex, it looks like having an electric saw, or router, is a big advantage to carving the neck. And right now, that's an advantage I don't have.

Once I get the sucker built, I'll try to post pictures.

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on July 24, 2010 at 2:10pm

Mistake number 1 was buying a 2x2 board instead of 1x2

Not necessarily. I make a laminated neck that starts out as two 1x2 that becomes a 2x2. Trick is, do you have something to cut it down with?

The flip side is that since I am mostly using hand tools, I am carving away close to an inch of wood for the neck with a surform file and a rasp

Thats the trick. keeping a straight line. Band saw is the thing (or a table saw) but ya don't have that. If you do use a 2x2 again, see if you can find someone with a saw.

You can also use a separate 1x2 piece glued on the neck inside the box (see my blog pages for details)

-WY

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Permalink Reply by Mister Scott on July 24, 2010 at 2:30pm

Things got a bit better today when I just started chiseling out blocks of wood, then filing it flat with the hand tools.
Wes Yates said:

I make a laminated neck that starts out as two 1x2 that becomes a 2x2. Trick is, do you have something to cut it down with?

I have a handsaw. I found your blog post about laminating -- that's an amazing write-up! I may just do that next time. Tell me, can better wood than our standard stock be substituted for the outside pieces? This would be fab to do with some of the Red Oak they have at my lumber yard...

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Permalink Reply by William McCauley on July 25, 2010 at 5:23am

If you want to work with wood, you will need some tools. A bandsaw is very useful, look for used tools on craigslist or in the classified ads. Benchtop tablesaws are good too if you want straight rip cuts and crosscuts. Also, beware of DUST wear a good respirator when cutting, routing and sanding, especially if you are going to use exotic woods for trim pieces. I had a cough for SIX months from sanding canarywood.

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Permalink Reply by Mister Scott on July 25, 2010 at 6:53am

william McCauley said:

If you want to work with wood, you will need some tools. A bandsaw is very useful, look for used tools on craigslist or in the classified ads.

Not really a possibility... I live in a one-bedroom, with a sunroom standing in for a workshop. The best I can do right now is a jigsaw.

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Permalink Reply by Outhouse Instruments on July 25, 2010 at 8:06am

A good handsaw and patience will be waaaaaaaaaaaay faster than the surform, rasp and sandpaper.
You're gonna have to shape and sand after you get the basic thicknewss right anyway.

Matt

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Permalink Reply by Mister Scott on July 25, 2010 at 8:28am

This is what I've gotten done by hand so far. Apologies for the crappy cell phone pic.

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on July 25, 2010 at 8:46am

Holy Kukamonga! That is one DEEEEEEP lid and sound recess. I usually do about 1/4" for the lid and about 1/16" as a sound recess so the lid will vibe. Other than that, looks good.

-WY

Scotty C. said:

This is what I've gotten done by hand so far. Apologies for the crappy cell phone pic.

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Permalink Reply by Mister Scott on July 25, 2010 at 8:48am

Wes Yates said:

Holy Kukamonga! That is one DEEEEEEP lid and sound recess. I usually do about 1/4" for the lid and about 1/16" as a sound recess so the lid will vibe.

Is the deep recess going to impact the sound negatively?

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Permalink Reply by Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates on July 25, 2010 at 8:52am

Nah. Just less material for the neck. Might be a weak point. Hopefully its not less than the outside (fingerboard) part of the neck.

-WY

Scotty C. said:

Wes Yates said:
Holy Kukamonga! That is one DEEEEEEP lid and sound recess. I usually do about 1/4" for the lid and about 1/16" as a sound recess so the lid will vibe.

Is the deep recess going to impact the sound negatively?

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Permalink Reply by William McCauley on July 25, 2010 at 10:15am

I feel your pain.

Scotty C. said:

william McCauley said:
If you want to work with wood, you will need some tools. A bandsaw is very useful, look for used tools on craigslist or in the classified ads.

Not really a possibility... I live in a one-bedroom, with a sunroom standing in for a workshop. The best I can do right now is a jigsaw.

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Kennedy on July 25, 2010 at 1:55pm

Seems like a decent space for benchtop tools to me. They dont all have to set up at once. For that space Id suggest a decent used desk. And I would consider picking up a Benchtop Bandsaw, Table Saw, and Disc/ Belt sander. Just store the tool you arent using on the floor under the desk. Not to mention the desk drawers would be a nice place to keep the hand tools you use.

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Permalink Reply by Mister Scott on July 25, 2010 at 2:06pm

Tracy Kennedy said:

Seems like a decent space for benchtop tools to me. They dont all have to set up at once. For that space Id suggest a decent used desk. And I would consider picking up a Benchtop Bandsaw, Table Saw, and Disc/ Belt sander. Just store the tool you arent using on the floor under the desk. Not to mention the desk drawers would be a nice place to keep the hand tools you use.

That "bench" of sorts you see is actually an old animation desk my aunt gave me. Comes in handy with the centerpiece removed!