Thanks so much for the explanations David. I'm enjoying the learning even though a project such as this is outside of my skills. As a visual learner, your videos are fantastic for me. Your pickin' skills 'ain't too shabby either.  As I'm sure you are, I'm looking forward to the neck build and placement.

 

How awesome the chisel belonged to your dad. A cherished tool for sure and even more fitting to use on this project.

 

I'm pretty sure my brother has at least one Martin. He's quite an accomplished, self taught guitarist. I gave up playing (mainly bass) a long time ago. Always thought I'd pick (no pun intended) it back up someday. Just never seemed to get a-round-2-it. Living my dream enjoying others and especially your build; can't thank you enough for sharing it here.

It's never too late to begin playing the guitar, never.  Years ago I taught at a local guitar store and my students ranged from age 6 to 80 (I was about 20 at the time).  Each had their specific challenges but I'm a patient fella' and each learned to play a few songs after a couple of weeks.

I took the opportunity to use the CNC for a small piece on the guitar, cutting the neck block extension to support the fingerboard and also cutting the neck block itself after it was already glued to the rim (guitar sides).  There was a bit of risk in doing this because I only had one shot at getting the neck block right or I would've had to do some serious recovery to fix any mistakes.  

 

Another great episode David. Having been around CNC machine tool centers in a former life, I'm still amazed watching the precision especially transferred to wood versus steel. Can't wait for the next episode.

 

BTW, love the turnbuckle spreader bar with the floating feet in the top picture. Great idea. I'll likely steal that idea for a project or two.

Thanks so much, Dave!  I built this CNC almost 7 years ago and I'm still fascinated by it, love to watch it go through the process, and even though I'm the one who designed and drew what I cut I still stand and watch it run.

 

By all means, borrow whatever you glean from these videos! 

Today was a busy day on the guitar even though it doesn't appear much has changed.  Lots of cutting on the sides for braces and a ton of sanding to get the sides to fit the radius of the top.

 

Edited December 1, 20232 yr by difalkner

One more for today, and this one is a video I had not planned to make but it became necessary when I turned the lights out (glare angle) and saw how badly the top was dented.  If you've ever steamed dents out then this is old news to you but if you've never seen this then maybe it will help you.  Unfortunately, I've had to do this many, many times!  

 

Thanks, Dave!

Finally getting caught up watching these. Busy weekend. Two more well done videos. Thanks again for sharing this build with all of us here. Greatly appreciated David.

 

Do you use plain 'ole tap water in your spray bottle or distilled water for the dent steaming? Excellent save BTW.

Thanks for watching and liking the build and these videos, Dave!

 

In this case it's distilled water because that's what I tend to keep in that spray bottle.  Tap water will certainly work but I just prefer to take that element out of the picture in the slim case that it would stain lighter wood like this Spruce.  Of course, if I was a bit more careful I wouldn't have to do these recoveries! 

I'm finally back out in the shop after a two-month absence due to prostate surgery.  Light duty work only but I'll take it! 

 

Cut, fitted, and glued the Bubinga soundhole bracing - 

 

First and most importantly, very thankful the surgery was fully successful as well as the healing and recovery David. Great to see you back in the shop again. That in itself can be very therapeutic.

 

Nice touch on the sound board bracing. I assume using the heat gun was just to warm the sound board to prevent rapid cooling of the hide glue?

 

It did occur to me...I hope you are planning to create and place your label of this build in the body before final install of the sound board? Not only appropriate for such a fine build, but also a tribute to your craftsmanship for future generations.

 

Take care and again, thankful for your recovery. Keep on keeping on!

Edited March 29, 20242 yr by Grandpadave52

Thanks, Dave!  Yes, it feels good to be back in the shop and hoping that I can get back to 100% in the next few months.

 

Yes, heating the wood before gluing just keeps the hide glue from setting too quickly.  I will definitely place the label on the back before closing up the box.

Good to see you back in the shop, posting up and enjoying it David; glad to hear your surgery went well also.

Thanks, Cal!  Yes sir, it definitely felt good to be out there.  I'm just glad I didn't completely tank this simple task on camera - LOL! 

Good to have you back David. I’m looking forward to seeing this project progress to the finish !

Paul

5 hours ago, Masonsailor said:

Good to have you back David. I’m looking forward to seeing this project progress to the finish !

Paul

Thanks, Paul!  I'm looking forward to seeing it finished, as well, but the guy building it is taking too long!