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Hey all,

As I get ready to start on number 4, it seems to me that I need to start thinking about adding a couple of shop tools. I'm thinking a thickness sander, and some kind of table saw. Maybe a mini table saw. My needs are to thickness sand tops and back/sides, as well as rosettes after install. I have a small band saw now, but it doesn't do much of a job ripping brace wood, and that sort of thing. So, hit me with the best ideas. I'm for sure looking for tools that will get me there without costing much cash. Not in a postion to spend thousands right now.

Thanks for your thoughts.


Chris.

Build your own thickness sander...very easy to do .... and can be built cheap and I do mean cheap. There are probably tutorials here on how to and other sites as well. There seams to always be some one, some where building a posting it. Just post a thread asking for home made pics. I have seen all sorts from simple one day, quick and dirty builds to high end exotic machinery on these luthier sites.

Get at least a 3/8 to 1/2 in wide, 4 or 6 tooth blade on that small saw and I bet you will be able to rip your braces.

As for table saws, inexpensive bench top models are ok to start with, they will get the job done. It is what I use in me building shop, even though I have 3 other saws, all heavy duty cast iron, 220 volt, dual belt work horses ~ all under tarps, and used only in the summer to break out next winters stock.

This does not have to be an expensive hobby...there are alternatives that work just as well if one opens self up to them.


icu,
Duh
Padma

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Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


.

Hi Chris,
I've never tried one of the table top saws but what I did was bought a used craftsman from the '70s and replaced the fence with a nice craftsman when it was on sale. I also bought a used rockwell 14" band saw and it works great. It is a delta when delta was named Rockwell. As far as a thickness sander I bought the Jet 16-32 and it works great. I'm curios, on the picture with your post is that your Cobra with the guitar?
Mike

Hi Chris,

The only thing I use my table saw for in guitar building is to slot my fretboards. If you're not happy with your band saw, I would invest in a band saw before a table saw. I love my table saw, don't get me wrong, but I just see other tools as a higher priority.

Now a thickness sander will get you great use in guitar building. Whether you build it or buy it, it will be a valuable tool. I like to buy my tools before making them, but if you think making a thickness sander is something you're up too, then go for it. Otherwise buy one and you won't regret it.

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

If you are pretty good with a plane, a Wagner Safety Planer & a drill press will get you close on thicknessing. (You need to practice with the Wagner before you commit your precious tonewood to it) It's important to have a decent drill press. Some have a fair amount of up & down slop in the quill shaft. Not good with the safety planer.
You can pick up old 9" Rockwell or Craftsman tablesaws for $50.00 at yard sales. I see them for sale regularly. Check 'em over for worn bearings, etc. & check the table with a straight-edge before you buy. Add a good 7 1/4" Freud Diablo blade & you're set for most jobs.
You can build a workable thickness sander for very little money if you have the inclination. They work fine if well built.
There are lots of jigs you can build, once you have a decent router and / or laminate trimmer. Get you into cutting your rosettes & edge bindings etc.
I picked up quite a few of my tools used... I'd rather have a good used tool than a crappy new one.
Have fun...

I would go for the Perfomax 10-20 - I have one in my small shop, and it works very well if dust extraction adequate- set-up just requires a little patience and I use a backing board (with sandpaper glued on rather than just the belt. Taking smaller passes is best.
I would suggest a decent bandsaw (I'm in the uk so I can't recommend for US) I'm sure others will chip in. Same with drill.
I have a table saw and hardly use it at all, if ever for guitar work.

_________________
The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

I agree in your case the band saw would be the best investment. If it isn't ripping well , it must not be set up right. Your band saw is only as good as the guides. A thickness sander , is a very handy tool . Performax is a name brand and often can be found used on craigslist and ebay for 1/2 the price.
As for sanding tops , use a 60 grit to get close , too fine a grit will develop too much heat. Take small bits and with the sander you have to think about dust collection. They go hand in hand .
Table saws are a dime a dozen and are a great tool . I use my radial arm saw for slotting fretboards and I have a jig for the radiusing using my thickness sander. That will soon be out on video.
have fun building , that is the key and always buy the best tool you can afford. Tooling is an investment , not a cost.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Thanks for the excellent replies so far everyone. I'll look into building the sander and also start watching for hot deals used on that and a table saw. I have a drill press which has been fine so far, and my current band saw may just need to be upgraded, it's a nine inch Skil, and the guides and the fence stink. No doubt that's why the 3/8 blade wanders when ripping brace wood.

Yes, the Cobra is mine. It's a Factory Five Racing replica, which I built before I got started on guitars. It was really a fun project, kept me out of the bars for nearly three years.



Chris.

Thanks Todd, sounds like maybe I should look around for a deal on the Lowe's closeout saw and retire my toy Skil.

Chris.