Rvlewis Posted November 17, 2014 Report Share Posted November 17, 2014 Hey all, new to this forum and thought I'd start by throwing this general question out there: I realize the high volume shops would use CNC for this type of stuff, but what hand and/or power tools do you think a small shop could use to shape the recessed areas of something like this guitar body? I am not looking to build that guitar specifically, but am a custom guitar builder and would like to do similar shaping on an upcoming project. Thanks in advance for any info that helps point me in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted November 17, 2014 Report Share Posted November 17, 2014 Welcome to the forums.. Certainly the CNC would work perfectly for that application and there are less expensive models on the market now. However, you could also set up jigs and use a router to do it as well. You could also look at power carving as an option as well. Take a look thru Marc's videos on power carving if you're not familiar with the process.. Good luck! Hope you stick around and show us some of your work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted November 17, 2014 Report Share Posted November 17, 2014 Coping saw and rasp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted November 17, 2014 Report Share Posted November 17, 2014 Arbortech Minigrinder would be my first choice for roughing that out. Clean up with rasps and sand paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rvlewis Posted November 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2014 Thanks for the quick replies all. We are pretty well setup for any perimeter shaping though bandsaw, coping, rasps, router, etc. The interior recessed stuff was particularly troubling, though. I thought about router jigs and templates, which may still be an option in some cases, but I think I'll look into the power carving for sure. Just got back from Arbortech's web site, and like what I see of the mini grinder. I'm relieved to hear that I don't have to hog this type of project out with small chisels and gouges, and firing up my chainsaw seemed a bit extreme... Seriously, I do appreciate the help, and I'll certainly stick around and return the favor with whatever knowledge/experience I may have... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krtwood Posted November 17, 2014 Report Share Posted November 17, 2014 It's hard to tell exactly what is going on there with just that one photo to go by, but I think you could get pretty close with a router and template if the template were ramped up towards the neck, sort of like the way the tapered grooves are done on Greene & Greene legs. Then you could come in with the power carving where needed to round it more. If it's something you'd want to be able to reproduce later that would give you a starting point to make it more consistent rather than have to carve the whole thing each time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rvlewis Posted November 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 It's hard to tell exactly what is going on there with just that one photo to go by, but I think you could get pretty close with a router and template if the template were ramped up towards the neck, sort of like the way the tapered grooves are done on Greene & Greene legs. Then you could come in with the power carving where needed to round it more. If it's something you'd want to be able to reproduce later that would give you a starting point to make it more consistent rather than have to carve the whole thing each time. First, I have to admit to googling "Greene & Greene", but now I see what you mean about ramping up at the neck with a template. Pretty good idea, because although we do almost entirely one-of-a-kind pieces, I am constantly making templates just in case we do need a two-of-a-kind someday. In the end, think a template for the basic cut followed by power carving to shape is the right procedure for us. Thanks again to everyone for their input. It's been a huge help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob493 Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 Minus doing this by hand and using the "eyeball" method, you will need to set up a duplicarver. edit: thats if you're planning on making more than one of these. I do carved tops with sandpaper and flap wheels. Pretty simple process to be blunt, mark out with pencil, and take your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilgaron Posted November 20, 2014 Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 If you want more hand powered ideas, a Veritas Pullshave might do it, depending on the radius. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rvlewis Posted November 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Minus doing this by hand and using the "eyeball" method, you will need to set up a duplicarver. edit: thats if you're planning on making more than one of these. I do carved tops with sandpaper and flap wheels. Pretty simple process to be blunt, mark out with pencil, and take your time. Very cool. Never saw one of those duplicarvers. Do you final shape only with the flap wheels, or do you use them from start to finish? I've never actually used a flap wheel before, so I'm not sure of their capabilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rvlewis Posted November 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 If you want more hand powered ideas, a Veritas Pullshave might do it, depending on the radius. Thanks for the tip. Will check that one out too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob493 Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Very cool. Never saw one of those duplicarvers. Do you final shape only with the flap wheels, or do you use them from start to finish? I've never actually used a flap wheel before, so I'm not sure of their capabilities. flap wheel is a rough cut process. The rest is done with sanding, 80 - 320 grit before finishing. this was done with flap wheel and a power sander for example 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 flap wheel is a rough cut process. The rest is done with sanding, 80 - 320 grit before finishing. this was done with flap wheel and a power sander for example Very nice work Bob. What is that timber or is it some fancy finishing technique? I've used the Schaller Hannes bridge a few times too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob493 Posted November 21, 2014 Report Share Posted November 21, 2014 Very nice work Bob. What is that timber or is it some fancy finishing technique? I've used the Schaller Hannes bridge a few times too. as much as I'd love to take credit for this, this beauty was built by a friend of mine. I don't do much beyond traditional super strat/tele shapes, but the process is the same. That particular one is a one piece redwood top with a slight amber stain, ebony binding (yes ebony, not black plastic!), korina body, maple neck, ebony fret board, and ebony and redwood headstock cap. Finish is nitro (as much as I begged him not to haha). Just one in particular I know the build process on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rvlewis Posted November 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2014 as much as I'd love to take credit for this, this beauty was built by a friend of mine. I don't do much beyond traditional super strat/tele shapes, but the process is the same. That particular one is a one piece redwood top with a slight amber stain, ebony binding (yes ebony, not black plastic!), korina body, maple neck, ebony fret board, and ebony and redwood headstock cap. Finish is nitro (as much as I begged him not to haha). Just one in particular I know the build process on. definitely a nice piece of work, for sure. I like the redwood top - not something you see every day. Thanks for the info on flap wheels. Will have to look into those as well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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