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First Build - want to make own box

Greetings to all - the bug has bit me bad...I want to make my own CBG and have a question about the wood for the box. I am a woodworker and have most the tools I will need. In building my own box, can I just use a good quality plywood (birch or oak) and if so what is the best thickness - 1/8 or 1/4 inch? I was also thinking about doubling up the edge boards to make them thicker and leaving the top (or "lid") and bottom the original thickness - is this a good idea or should I just use internal bracing? The entire box will be finger jointed. Appreciate any help or suggestions any one can send my way...

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David J Lohnes on September 19, 2017 at 8:11am

Sometimes the best of life's treasures are found as a result of simple mistakes. I live by the axiom that a mistake is only an error if you do not learn from it. Your box sounds wonderful and it "sounds" like you will enjoy playing it.

Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on November 2, 2017 at 8:04pm

I'm using the Eagle American bit and 1/4 mahogany and maple for back and sides, you can flip the pieces and make finger joint up 3 1/2 one cut in 1 9/16. Ply works great and is less money and I would think thinner 3/16 ply might hold up better then tone wood. The only bitch is building a good router sled for consistent cuts, but well worth it. good luck

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Permalink Reply by David J Lohnes on November 5, 2017 at 4:46am

Even though I have a “store bought” box I am going to play around with a couple of my router jigs. I have a very accurate Rocker router table finger joint jig that I will try to use all 1/4 or even 3/8 thick wood with. I also have a corner splinting jig (also from Rockler) that makes great corner splines. I do agree with what you say in getting things set up. The finishined item depends on well you set things up. Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Shawn McConnaughay Sr on November 4, 2017 at 4:27pm

I started using a 1 by 3 for the sides of the boxes I build. It gives a deeper sound accousticaly. Use a thin wood for the top if you're going to use a piezo pickup, as it resonates better. If you are going to use a active pickup it might not matter. Whatever you do, don't over think it. You can put a stick on a pizza box and make a playable instrument. Have fun with it.

Permalink Reply by David J Lohnes on November 5, 2017 at 4:53am

I will be using a Snake Oil Humbucker single pickup. So you are saying that I probably won’t need too worry much about box thickness with an electric pickup? If that is so, then your suggestion just opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. If I used 1/2 thick wood using 1/4 inch finger joints a box like that that would never fall apart....thanks,

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on February 12, 2018 at 3:25pm

I would tend to stay with !/4" sides, but a good hardwood instead of play. Sides need to be stiff, but not heavy. Also, if you want an acoustic/electric, the freedom of the top to vibrate is important.