We invent new tricks to make building easier and better.  Often we hear about them from others or read about them here on Cigar Box Nation, or Youtube videos.

Here are a couple:  I read both here on Cigar Box Nation posts

1.  When doing a difficult glue joint, like a fretboard or scarf joint, put a tiny tiny pinch of table salt on the glue after spreading it.  It does a great job of letting the pieces grip each other without slipping while applying clamps.

2.  When installing those tiny screws on the back of the tuning machines, rub the screw threads over a bar of soap or parafin wax to make them easier to drive and lessen the probability of stripping the screw head.

Another one I learned from experience.  Gluing pieces together seems like a simple process.  But it can become complex.  On a difficult glue joint, I finally learned to do a dry clamp before the actual gluing operation.  That way, you have all the clamps out and ready to go.  You know exactly how to place the clamps so that they will do their job properly and not interfere with each other.  Also have the clamp pads set up so you will not mar the wood.

Views: 2658

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

for a smooth slick finish,apply your tru-oil using a foam applicator pad like the ladies apply makeup with,smooth finish with no lint,you can buy a bag at Wal-Mart

Good tip.  I'll try that.

if its an unfretted git I just put 2 light coats of lacquer.

John there are many good reasons to use lacquer. Dry time makes for quick turn around is a real plus.Bad things are if you rough handle, it chips and yellows with age. I worked in a furniture factory and used it by the 55 gal. drum. It is good make no mistake, but there are the drawbacks.

I like spray lacquer for protecting boxes and labels, but use oils for wood... Quite often, I just use Linseed.  I have some tru-oil and will have to give it a try.

Liking the thinking behind some of the various "sealing" of the CBG's...........I started out just using a spray polyurethane lacquer (gloss) on everything but that soon wore off my like list!   Now I give most of the boxes 1 or 2 coats of "Satin" (or low sheen) polyurethane  and all necks/fretboards get 2 or 3 coats of Danish Oil!  Easy to apply with a nice soft lint free piece of rag/cloth.  With a light rub down with very fine steel wool between coats!  This stuff leaves a nice natural wood colour and a light sheen and is smooth to the touch!

Can we call ourselves hacks?

Sure, UJ, why not?  : )

profesanal hacks. . ;0)
larger piezocan be mountid. like bottle cap piezos. .

in ah perscription pill vile cover.

Good stuff! One of the best hacks I have found in here is also about gluing up scarf joints. Shoot a couple of staples into the gluing surface and then trim them off very short, like with wire cutters, then the sharp spikes that are left help keep the joint from slipping on the wet glue.I use this on all my scarf joints. My favorite personal hack is the tool I adapted to use as a fret press. It is made for driving glazier points but I modified it and use it to press in frets. Great control and no hammering on your fretboard. I'll see if I can attach a picture.

Bluesheart, I am going to try the cut off staples trick on my next glue up. I laminate my necks in 3 to 5 pieces. 5 pipe clamps,3 on bottom 2 on top and 12" "C" clamps with blocks on them forcing alignment. There is still a tendency for creep in the middle where you can't get a "C" clamp. I have read of the table salt trick on here. I was leery to try, as I am not sure what is happening chemically. It may or may not have any effect on the bond. My lack of knowledge in chemistry has stopped me. Even if one of the ingredients is sodium chloride, you are altering the recipe of the adhesive.My brain can wrap around the cut off staple trick.I have always used the side of my index finger as a glue applicator. Running my finger over cut off staples would break that habit pretty quick.Works best, always handy. It just clicked :Put staples in,apply glue then cut off staples. That will also allow glue to soak into wood while I am trimming staples. I am going to give this a try. Thanks

Attachments:

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

Latest Activity

Doug Thorsvik posted a video

Shout with Joy to God: 2-String Chugger License Plate Cigar Box Guitar

Cigar Box Guitar Slingers - Spokane, 199th Zoom Mtg 04/22/24. Only 1-finger chords, free songbooks here: https://www.cbgslinger.com/download CBG SOF Songbook...
1 hour ago
A.D.EKER left a comment for David Hopkins
"They look a lot like the Roger Farrington creation's from 1980!"
2 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

All You Got to do is put your Mind to it ! BCB - A .D .Eker 2024

"Yes he was ! Uncle John ! thank you for the like and kind comment ! Dang me !"
2 hours ago
Uncle John commented on Gary O'slide's video
Thumbnail

Acoustic folk box cigar box guitar @RhialtoPurple

"Nice.  Bright and sunshiny.  Feeling good music.  Thanks!"
2 hours ago
Uncle John commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

All You Got to do is put your Mind to it ! BCB - A .D .Eker 2024

"Roger was extra special.    And fun. Wailing harp there, A.D.!    Good tribute!"
2 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

All You Got to do is put your Mind to it ! BCB - A .D .Eker 2024

"    You can Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd !!"
5 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
6 hours ago
A.D.EKER posted a video

All You Got to do is put your Mind to it ! BCB - A .D .Eker 2024

a Tribute to the Great lyricist Roger Miller ,a adapted version of the Tune " You cant Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd " whit the refrein , on a four string c...
6 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's photo
Thumbnail

BCB Folding Backpacker 21,5 inch Scale

"Thank you all for the Like on the Picture ! appreciated !"
6 hours ago
A.D.EKER left a comment for Order99
"Thanks Order 99 for your take on the Tracks ! Glad you liked them ! much appreciated ! Kind…"
6 hours ago
Order99 liked Doug Thorsvik's video
10 hours ago
Order99 liked Gary O'slide's video
10 hours ago

Events

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->