Official Luthiers Forum!

On this page you will find links to pages that show the Jigs, Tools and Technique's from the Luthier's that frequent this site.

If you would like one of your jigs tools or technique's posted here please email me your idea. (Lance)

Okay, I submitted my recent guitar/vacationing idea to Lance. Maybe it will, maybe it won't make it to the Jigs and Tools Page. That's for him to decide. But I've noticed this area of the website has gone begging, much as the Luthier's Bios have in the past.

Granted, everyone's busy... But what makes the OLF a happening place is that luthiers, just like you, take time to share an idea. Maybe it's an old idea, like a go-bar deck or how to get epoxy on a guitar successfully as filler. These ideas to the new builder are worth their weight in gold.

Anyone got anything they'd like to see up in lights? I have too many up there already, time for someone else to chime in with worthy ideas and a, "This works for me."Dickey38912.032025463

I agree, Bruce.

Some suggestions: Brent McElroy's "Mold-on-a-Spit." Terry Kennedy's herringbone bending jig. And, the infamous "O'Brian Spreaders"

They're all fine ideas, and it would be a shame if they get lost or forgotten!

Not to bug Arnt again but his purfling/binding cutter jig is a great one to add up there also and as Carlton mentionned, you have another vote for Brent's famous mold!

Al Peebels fretboard radiussing jig is just awesome and also Mike McBroom's circle cutter are fine ideas!

Oh, almost forgot Terry Kennedy's and Colin's great drill press jigs

And also, I'd like it if John How would give us an update his bridge shaping technique/jig. I "think" I remember reading that he's no longer using the router portion of it...and I'd like to know why...since I was wanting to build something akin to that exact system.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

Let's not forget Tony Karol, he shared quite a few nice jigs lately!

See what I mean. I missed some of those.

Yeah, this is a resource that needs filling up with all these great ideas so they can be found easily in one spot. Even if there are several of each kind of jig posted it does not matter as long as they all work and are well explained people can make up there own mind on what they think will work best for them.

The OLF IS a gold mine for the noob but I think a lot of good stuff goes to the archive tailings instead of being shifted to the tech and jig vault because maybe, like so many things, once you have built a few guitars, it is easy to forget how hard those first few were. The simple little thing start to get de-value and taken for granted as you focus on the more advanced aspects of the craft.

For one thing I would like to see a definitive list posted of tools and jigs that the more experienced guys among you recommend. A list of stuff that the majority agree every good noob should kit him or herself out with. Not what they can aspire to, not a confusing list of one focus or method specific tools, but a list of things that are agreed by the majority one should have to do the basic task. Like a recommended selection of chisel sizes, grades of abrasive, glues, basic jigs etc. Something that a noob could look at as a kind of entry level check list.

I know that we all do things differently but has anyone here not got a 6" steel rule, a good square, a block plane and a poster of Jimmy Hendricks in his shop? Of course you all have. This is the sort of basic stuff I think we should compile to help people from becoming lost in this sea of selection. Plans for a simple shooting board, a clamping bar, cam clamps etc.

Yep, I'm with you Bruce so much experience and so many great minds among you lot and you give so freely. But as a noob I reckon it's time to somehow close the net for prosperity.

Cheers all

Kim

[QUOTE=larkim]
I know that we all do things differently but has anyone here not got a 6" steel rule, a good square, a block plane and a poster of Jimmy Hendricks in his shop? Of course you all have.

[/QUOTE]

Dang, I knew I was missing something. Is a poster of BB King acceptable or should I find a Jimmy poster?

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

[QUOTE=JBreault] Is a poster of BB King acceptable?[/QUOTE]
Even better, in my opinion! Serge has one of a beer-drinking alien, but he's French-Canadian. Hey, wait a minute--shouldn't he have one of Celine Dion?

[QUOTE=CarltonM] shouldn't he have one of Celine Dion? [/QUOTE]

Anything but that!    

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

[QUOTE=larkim]
I know that we all do things differently but has anyone here not got a 6" steel rule, a good square, a block plane and a poster of Jimmy Hendricks in his shop?
[/QUOTE]

Hmmm . . . so, a poster of a Lotus 907 twin-cam motor is a bit too far off the mark, then?

I've got a small assortment of jigs and favorite tools that I use to make the process go smoother, and I'd be happy to share them.

Best,

Michael

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Live to Play, Play to Live

[QUOTE=Bill Greene] And also, I'd like it if John How would give us an update his bridge shaping technique/jig. I "think" I remember reading that he's no longer using the router portion of it...and I'd like to know why...since I was wanting to build something akin to that exact system.[/QUOTE]

Bill, I quit using it after knocking too many corners off the bridges I was making. Mayhaps my bit isn't sharp enough but I found I could shape the thing just as fast and safer using my oscilatingdrum sander. I also changed the shape slightly making it a little narrower than before and I didn't feel like making a new jig. I still use the slotting/ drilling jig though. If anyone is interested it is displayed in the Jigs Tools & Techniques section right hereJohn How38912.7734143519

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

[QUOTE=JBreault] [QUOTE=CarltonM] shouldn't he have one of Celine Dion? [/QUOTE]

Anything but that!    [/QUOTE]

Joe, i agree whole-heartedly!

[QUOTE=CarltonM] [QUOTE=JBreault] Is a poster of BB King acceptable?[/QUOTE]
Even better, in my opinion! Serge has one of a beer-drinking alien, but he's French-Canadian. Hey, wait a minute--shouldn't he have one of Celine Dion? [/QUOTE]

I thought Celine Dion was a beer drinking alien

[QUOTE=larkim] [QUOTE=CarltonM] [QUOTE=JBreault] Is a poster of BB King acceptable?[/QUOTE]
Even better, in my opinion! Serge has one of a beer-drinking alien, but he's French-Canadian. Hey, wait a minute--shouldn't he have one of Celine Dion? [/QUOTE]

I thought Celine Dion was a beer drinking alien [/QUOTE]

Not that I'd put a poster of Celine Dion up in my shop, but she can sure sing.

I saw her in concert several years ago and it was fantastic, she puts on a good show.

OK, back to the Jigs. What about Lances Bowl sanding Jig, Here's what's in the archives.

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

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Brilliant jig!

Now Celine Dion really sings well but she ain't goin' on my shop wall ok!

Good one Todd!

It seems we're not getting much response from the creative folks mentioned here who've had those good ideas. Come on, guys--it's a good way to have yourself immortalized!