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I got a gift card from my daughter for $75 at Woodcraft. Sorry OLF sponsors, she only knows I like Woodcraft. Anyway, I'm thinking some cool measuring tools and I'd like some input on your favorites for guitar building. Stuff that you use and love. Thanks

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

If you don't have one already, you could get out the door tax included (in most states) with this: https://www.woodcraft.com/products/veri ... ning-guide

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Woodcraft seems to sell less and less of what we need, but they still carry Starrett and Pfeil carving tools. On my list would be:

1. The 4" Starrett double square (~$98)...perfect in the apron
2. The Starrett automatic center punch (~$42)...accurate punch for any material
3. The 6" combination square (~$106)...much handier than the 12" version
4. The 16mm Pfeil Swiss Made #1 Flat double bevel carving chisel (~$43)...my favorite brace carving tool

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For the times they are a changin'

- Bob Dylan

I bought this 24" combi square rule hoping for enough quality in graduations and straightness I could keep my Starrett 387-24 shop control standard in it's box and safe from shop mishaps.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well it matched up to the Starrett. The Pinnacle is best graduated straightedge for the money I've found yet and I often recommend it. And you can use it with a combination square when you need a long one.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/pinnacle-24-combination-square-blade-only

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Brian R, Wood Mechanic
N8ZED

Something on this page perhaps? https://www.woodcraft.com/categories/calipers
These always are needed. My most used for shaping necks is the woodriver 4 in 1. https://www.woodcraft.com/categories/files-rasps
I would say scrapers but I am addicted to the Carruth Ultimate Scraper from StewMac

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

I have a real cheap digital caliper (.002: resolution") and I think this might be a good upgrade. A new microplane may be something as well. If you haven't tried one for shaping a neck, you should. I love them and have shaped about 8 necks with mine and it still works but not like new. I have a round and a flat.

I'm leaning towards these things, I have plenty of straight edges and squares and chisels. A double bevel chisel sounds interesting. I'll check them out. I'll be going next week or the week after, I'm not sure.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

So the day is here, what will I do. I'm considering the carving vise now. I'm not sure it's something I need or just another shop toy. Then there's the great wood selection.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Carving vise it is. I can't wait to install it. It's almost neck carving time.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

If this is the vise you are talking about I have one that is very similar. I use mine nearly every 'building' day. Don't know what I would do without it. Great choice!!!


I took a piece of strap leather and lined the jaws. You can also use cork.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

That's it. I figured it would be the most useful tool.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!