Howdy All!

I've been itching to begin my first project. It's one thing to "restore" an old guitar but it's another animal to produce one from 'scratch'.

So, here goes.

Q: Has anyone ever had a fear of beginning a first project?

Q2: Where should I start? I've searched these topics and how to economize my tools. Should I just set my goals on a particular style of guitar and purchase the wood?

Q3: Can I plan out a project without a kit or blueprint? (What I mean is, has anyone ever strayed by making their own blueprint?)

Q4: Any tips/warnings for first timers? Beginner's woods?

*I'm anxious to begin but don't want my first to be a complete disaster!

Thanks for your assistance!
Jim S.

Q2: Where should I start? I've searched these topics and how to economize my tools. Should I just set my goals on a particular style of guitar and purchase the wood?

Q3: Can I plan out a project without a kit or blueprint? (What I mean is, has anyone ever strayed by making their own blueprint?)

Q4: Any tips/warnings for first timers? Beginner's woods?

*I'm anxious to begin but don't want my first to be a complete disaster!

Additional questions, as Tax Season has worn me out.

Q: I see different side bending methods. Which is more effective? A side bender like the Fox Universal Bender or a Bending Iron?

Q: Is it possible to bend a 1/8" piece of wood? Something like a Padauk?

Q: (most importantly) Is Lutherie something that I can get into without a major expense? (I know tools aren't cheap).

***The reason I am asking these questions is. My wife gave me an anniversary "budget". I chose to spend it on a classical guitar. WAIT! Then, as I'm reviving my daughter's uke, I decided to MAKE my own guitar. Then, a sickness set in, and now I am here. At OLF. I'm quite impressed at the master luthiers here.

Thanks for your willingness to help out a beginner!

Welcome Jim:

There are a lot of us new guys here at OLF right now.  I bet we've had at least ten or so in the last month.  I really havn't been counting.

I think each one of us just starting out is a little (maybe a lot) afraid.  The aprehension of cutting into a good top or back, or bending sides, no matter what method, is frightening.  If you are like me, precision woodworking is not in my past.  Oh, I've made some stuff, but never anything like a guitar.  All of that said, however, here we all are, having drunk the punch, and starting the process.  This forum is great for developing confidence.  You see what others are doing, and you realize that there are so many ways to accomplish each task, that you are sure one will work for you.

Make sure you spend a lot of time checking out all of the features of this site, including all the links at the top.  You'll find lots of great stuff.  Then when you want to know about a specific thing, search the archives, also full of great information and tutorials for various processes.

You are going to love it here.  Lots of very helpful, and knowledgeable instrument builders.

Q: Has anyone ever had a fear of beginning a first project?

[/QUOTE]

I'm a newbie too, currently building my first two at the same time...one for mistakes (none yet to speak of, whew!), another for hopefully LESS mistakes.  The only thing I was nervous about was side bending...which, thanks to many pointers from the group here, went off just fine the very first time.

[QUOTE=Jim68]

Q2: Where should I start? I've searched these topics and how to economize my tools. Should I just set my goals on a particular style of guitar and purchase the wood?

Q3: Can I plan out a project without a kit or blueprint? (What I mean is, has anyone ever strayed by making their own blueprint?)

Q4: Any tips/warnings for first timers? Beginner's woods?

[/QUOTE]

Commenting on all three at once here...personally, I glean everything I can from the web.  I've learned a lot from this forum most of all, but I'd suggest putting a BIG pot of coffee on and doing a Google for "luthier" or "custom acoustic guitar" and see how the experienced builders are doing it.  One site really got me inspired, and that's http://www.hoffmanguitars.com .  He graciously provides pics and descriptions of the entire process, and honestly that's what gave me the courage to take a crack at it.

TOOLS...I've been building my own jigs and such, which is also half the fun...such as radiused dishes (easily made with a router), various clamping jigs, tapering doohickies...the list goes on.  First and foremost, I spent $35 on eBay for an electric motor and another $50 in hardware to build a drum sander...which for me was a logical "first power tool" to have.  An oscillating spindle sander is helpful too (got mine from Harbor Freight for under $100)....then there's the bevy of assorted handtools - planes, rasps, files,

BLUEPRINTS...I chose to try my own design right off, no regrets as of yet.  I just cut and installed the kerfing strips today and am ready to assemble the first body...again, no cuss words or thrown guitar parts in my shop at this point!  It's all been very gratifying.

WOODS....I was able to find some inexpensive (and nice!) Engelman and Sitka tops on eBay...think I paid a total of $50 for two sets.  For sides, I went with Granadillo for one and Padauk for the other (both sets from Allied Luthery for around $90.00).  The wood is beautiful and the price helped my confidence...at least I knew I wasn't going to massacre something really exotic.  They're quite different in tone, feel, density, sanding properties...so it's been a good learning experience building two at the same time to compare.

Good luck!  Hope to see some of your work in the future!

Jon

Last question,

Can I add all you guys to my buddy list? Thanks for your comments and I will certainly post my progress. I'm also a professional video editor and will compile a video journal of the process.

Cheers,

Jim S.

Q: Has anyone ever had a fear of beginning a first project?  -- Be afraid, be very afraid. Yes, I think we all have some apprehension the first, at least I know I do right now. But I went and visited a semi-local semi-retired luthier and his words were encouraging. Don't panic, guitars are made by people and your a person so why not you.

Q2: Where should I start? I've searched these topics and how to economize my tools. Should I just set my goals on a particular style of guitar and purchase the wood?  -- What do you prefer to play? I like the dreadnaught sound, so that is where I am begining. I'll venture into others later. I'd start with lower figured woods because I hear bending is an art.

Q3: Can I plan out a project without a kit or blueprint? (What I mean is, has anyone ever strayed by making their own blueprint?) -- Probably can, but it is nice to have a road map.

Q4: Any tips/warnings for first timers? Beginner's woods? -- Have patience, take deep breathes, use eye ear and breathing protection. Don't work when you are tired and consider any mistakes you make to be part of the plan. The guy I spoke with this weeked told me that his mistakes he considered tuition. Do some research before you order anything, it will save you money.

Q: (most importantly) Is Lutherie something that I can get into without a major expense? (I know tools aren't cheap). -- Tools aren't cheap and neither are guitars. You can always borrow tools from friends and make your own jigs. You will need clamps.

You can add me to your friends list, but I'm probably not much help yet.