Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

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Building a Cigar Box Guitar 101

This group is for discussing the basics of CBG building for newer builders - where to start, what to do, common pitfalls, tips and techniques.

Keep in mind that new builders can find other great informative articles on CBG building, as well as most of the parts you'll need, over at C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply!

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Latest Activity: Mar 20

Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

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Comment by Michael Fred Johnson on October 19, 2017 at 11:44pm

I think these photos are self explanatory.

The portion of the neck inside the box has a wedge removed from the top and added to the bottom to give the neck angle.The slot for the box is square to this angled surface.

Comment by Michael Fred Johnson on October 19, 2017 at 11:38pm

Comment by Mark Bliss on October 19, 2017 at 9:10am

Here is one example with 3 deg neck set and a heel.

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/intermediatebuildingtipsandtric...

Comment by Rick Flink on October 19, 2017 at 8:34am
Ok, I have been a member of CGB Nation for awhile now, but I have not built a CBG until now. I have searched both here and via google for some information on how you do a neck with a heel and how it all sets up inside of the box so you get a bit of neck angle toward the headstock.This may be very easy to do, but I don’t get how you get all that wood inside the box and how you make the heal outside of the box. Any clues you can give me where to find easy to understand and follow information would be so appreciated...pictures really would help.

Thanks all!
Comment by Mark Bliss on September 30, 2017 at 10:19am

I know this is largely a DIY oriented site and group, and I support that whole heartedly. And again, a hole saw or a sharp knife and patience may suffice.

But sometimes life is short and you need to shorten the trip to success.

You could use something like this: http://www.rockler.com/circle-grommet-templates

https://youtu.be/1uMsj0SbKhc

The typical Dremel router base doesn't provide the means for a guide bushing, but I have sometimes cheated and set a bit up so the shaft hit the template and the cutter just protrudes below, which will work.

I also would add that the Dremel brand and many other bases are a bit cheap and inaccurate for my preference. I spent the extra bucks for the Stewmac version and like it. http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Inlay_a...

But I also have other small routers, guides, templates, a small and a medium router table and a variety of other small scale options. Though many are usually set up for somewhat dedicated tasks.

There's many ways to skin this cat.

Comment by Chuck Groves on September 30, 2017 at 3:26am
Thanks Mark! I has the dremels but no base for them. That sounds excellent and I'm going to look into that. Is lexan the clear sheets I can get at home despot? They have been hard for me to cut using standard saws, always chipping and breaking. Very frustrating.
Comment by Mark Bliss on September 29, 2017 at 1:53pm

Oh, in review, I'd add that with many boxes, one could do a fine job simply scoring and carefully repeating cuts with a sharp Exacto or razor knife.

Many box tops are pretty soft and easily cut materials.

Gitterdone. Make some noise.

Comment by Mark Bliss on September 29, 2017 at 1:47pm

Hot glue will work. It can be messy, leave stringy trails, fight ya. A good gun, quality glue and some practice might help.

Theres a bunch of other options. Adhesive grade silicone. Urethanes. Epoxies. All can gitterdone. Might have to explore the options to find what suits ya.

For drilling, I have used many methods. I'd add it kind of depends on the specific details of each box. Top material, thickness, need to protect paper art, margin/coverage of any hardware chosen to cover hole, among other considerations.

In many cases a hole saw works well, but can be a little aggressive. Cut the center guide hole and the final cut can be done by hand for example.

I like to use a Lexan template, Dremel based router, and spiral bit. Its fast. But when I work this way I am usually set up to do multiple operations, production style.

Next example, CNC router.........

:-)

Comment by Chuck Groves on September 29, 2017 at 1:26pm
I was considering using my 1 1/2 inch forstner bit and using a rasp file to enlarge the hole to the correct diameter. Is hot glue adequate? I am also considering super glue or overkill in the form of two part epoxy.
Comment by MadGomer on September 29, 2017 at 9:05am
I will split the middle between Michael and Anonymous. I prefer a hole saw with light pressure and a backup board, but have used forstner bits successfully too. Again, light pressure and a backup board. I really dislike spade bits on thin material where you want a reasonably clean edge.
 

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