Official Luthiers Forum!

How do you hold your guitar/uke etc when you've got to flatten the sides or top/back at the moment I find myself sitting on the floor holding it with my feet, or using 2 cam clamps on their sides clamped to the bench, but that isn't as secure as I'd like, as I put a dent in the top I've had to steam out and sand back. I have a small workshop with little room to have a ?troji? is it called. So any ideas pics would be welcome.

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Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

I've got a body vise made from pipe clamps but I like Craig's idea better.
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=21802

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

Thanks Woody. John , my vise has lots of advantages over the pipe vise. It can hold the guitar in any position, i.e. end graft up , heel up, or have the guitar clamped lengthwise to work the sides.This at any height you require .In each case the vise grips the instrument by the edges and puts no pressure on the top or back plate.
The clamps can be set in a slight arc to suit the back/top radius. This really hugs the instrument without risking any damage. These clamps , ( now sold under the Irwin brand )work great , are quick to adjust and well made. Not expensive and easy to find. I have included a saftey strap as a mere precaution.
I'm sorry if this sounds like a sales pitch John . It's just that I'm so pleased with it ,and have found it almost revolutionary in my workshop . The design has addressed issues other holders have. Although the troji type look rather cool , they take up a fair
amount of room, and are top heavy so that your foot is required
to sturdy it at the base, ( unless you have it bolted to the floor )

Here it is once again :





And of course , it easily stows away ;



I've found the Solera type jig with adjustable dowels best for working the top or back plates of the guitar

Hoping this helps you out John

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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Don't know if you have the time, desire, or a vacuum system but I use a multi position vacuum clamp
that I fashioned after the one LMI carries.

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

Hi All,

I mistakenly added my reply to the link above,and am not sure how to move it. An alternative anyhow, if anyone is looking for one. Thx. Rory

This works great. http://wellsguitars.com/Articles/Guitar_Holder.php
TJK

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.