Hi folks,
I joined a few months ago but haven't introduced myself. I'm James Warwick (Jim) live in Oakton, Virginia, and have a small shop a few minutes away in the Historic District of Vienna, VA (Washington DC area). I do a lot of repair and resoration work, and build 12-16 guitars year. I've been doing it since I was a kid, but full-time for the last 11 years (second career).
Regarding a recent discussion regarding Tor-Tis, I thought I'd offer a simple way I've found of working with it. It does involve some heat, but no water (messy). A few pictures will convey the idea best, I think:
Heated up to ~ 135 degrees F, it cuts like butter; much hotter and it wants to stretch. Use a sharp knife and one pass is all that's needed. Take the aluminum plate off the heat blanket and in a minute or so it's hard and ready to bevel and polish. Works like a charm for me.
Here's a pics of one of two models of classical I build:
My classicals and flamencos are French polished; I use Target USL on most of my steel-strings.
Apologies for the long post. This is a good forum--hope I can contribute something equal to what I'm gaining.
Best regards to all,
Jim Warwick
