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How do I go about setting up an espresso maker for neck re-sets?I`ve got a hose and needle,and I`m looking for a espresso maker.One guitar is a 70`s Martin, another is a is a Guild.I`m not sure about when it was made.Any help in regards to these would be great.Of course I`m going to practice on a junker ,if i can figure out what to practice on.
James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

I use a pressure cooker instead of an espresso maker, but I guess they work about the same. I've got a brass fitting threaded into the top of my pressure cooker to hook the hose to. It's also go the little rattler on it to keep the pressure from getting too high. The 70's Martin shouldn't be a problem. They usually come apart pretty easy. get the fingrboard extension loose first. I wait until I've got the steam going real good before I insert the needle. When you see a little steam coming around the heel it's usually ready. I've got a neck removal jig but I rarely use it. I just wiggle on the neck until it's out. Pay attention to where the steam is going, both for the guitar and for your hands, arms ect. I've only done one Guild, it was from the 70's and it was a bear to get out. Alot of steam, and pressure with my neck removal jig. Be careful after you get the neck removed. The fingerboard extension is pretty stiff but it's easy to break at the 15th fret slot.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

1) clamp the hose to the steam nozzle.

2) Fill espresso maker with water.

3) turn it on.

That's it. And, be aware that Guilds fight you every inch of the way, as previously noted.

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https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13

Thanks guys.I`ve never owned an espresso maker,but I`m assuming there`s a hole at the end of the steam nozzle.
James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

On some espresso makers, you have to plug the hole where steam for the coffee comes out.

And of course, know that you are dealing with something that can scald the crap out of you and/or potentially explode!

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http://www.chassonguitars.com

What kind of hose can you use? Ive seen the stewi mac vertion, but was trying to make one cheap...

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Here is what a Parlor Guitar is for!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEa8PkjO6_I

Frei, you want to use radiator hose from an auto parts store. 1/2" IIRC is what you want.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

You know they make those steam machines that they sell at wal-mart, k-mart, etc that folks use for cleaning tiles, etc. Blow a LOT of steam. Quickly. This is the Scunci I keep in my shop for all sorts of tasks. No need to wreck my wife's appliances or hang around the kitchen stove. $60.

Mike

Ebay or craigslist is your friend. This on on ebay is only $25 including shipping

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Normally I'd agree about the Martin v Guild serviceability ratings, but remember it is only a generalization. I steamed off a few necks this week, and it was a 70's Martin that had me cursing at the imbeciles who assembled it, more so than either of the Gibsons I pulled apart.

Guilds are usually among the more difficult ones (wide, thin, fragile heel glued to the shoulders before finishing), but I have pulled a number of Guild necks that were much easier than this particular Martin. They pretty much dipped the heel in PVA glue before sticking it on the body. 70's Martin heels are often found glued to the finish on the shoulders, and pocket in the dovetail cavity that steam usually circulates through can be filled - and I mean filled - with glue.

It's a case by case basis, and honestly I think both of your instruments fall in to the "be cautiously prepared for problems" category.

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Walgreens has an espresso maker for 19.99 and tax, if you have a Walgreens in your area. These espresso makers will make you a good cup of capuccino too, once you are done steaming a neck.

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

I am a newbie but I did a neck! I bought a espresso machine off Craigslist for $25. I love building my own tools but I think the stew mac attachment is worth every penny.
Have a Guitar G string handy to unclog the needle if it gets gunked up.

I use a needle that used to inflate a football or basketball. I've got it hose clamped to a piece of automotive fuel line.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Thanks for the tip David.I`ll be extremely careful.I`ve been doing a little repair work and found it to be very satisfying.It`s a real joy to see someone`s face as they enjoy a new fret job.Rod thanks for your tip also.I found an espresso maker in a thrift store in town for 4 bucks.If it doesn`t work out I`ll go the ebay route.
James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee