Official Luthiers Forum!

by the luthier bug...first post here.

I've played guitar for about 20 years and recently decided to pursue this as a hobby.  I've read some books on the subject and am now ready to get started.  The very first thing I need to do is set up a suitable work space.  I have a space about 8' x 15' to set up a workbench and I'm wondering if any of you have plans for a workbench or ideas of dos / don'ts that I should be thinking about now.  Thanks

Hey Tommy, welcome to the forum!

If you check the archives, I'm sure you might find some good pics and ideas. Good luck!

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Welcome, Tommy,

Wishing you a long, slow recovery, during which you will build many beautiful guitars!

Search the archives for Hesh's (Hesh1956) posts that have pics of his bathroom workspace. There's a fairly recent thread where we gave each other shop envy by posting pics of our shops too.

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Here's that shop pic thread.

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Welcome aboard Tommy! You can find some excellent ideas for a workbench in the book "The Workbench Book" by Tauton Press. These are the folks that put out Fine Woodworking magazine.

There are also a lot of fine examples here on the OLF if you search the archives.

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

Tommy,
I do feel sorry for you. When this hobby bites, it bites hard, and never lets go...until you run out money

I've built several guitars and other instruments in my garage without a workbench. Most everything is done on the basement floor and on my small workmate. I have had no problems getting things done. This idea that you need space to build is way over rated Ask many questions, and I'm sure many will be able to help. Best of luck!
Tracy

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

Hi Tommy,

Welcome aboard. I too have a pretty small workspace, albeit slightly wider
than yours. Mine is roughly 12 x 14 here's a pic of how I squeezed most of it
in. Not shown in the pic is the wall behind and to the right of where I was
standing (in the doorway) has a 32"
tall x 36 wide x 24" deep cabinet that my bender is on as well as a storage
cabinet above.


You can make small spaces work but I think you really have to stay on top of
keeping things tidy.

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.cordle

Tommy, Welcome to the OLF! This is a great place to learn so much about our craft!The guys and gals here couldn't be any friendlier and helpful, so ask a lot of questions and good luck!
Oh,and once you've been bit,you are in it for the long run!

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Tommy,

Welcome, it's a fantastic experience. The people here are wonderful. As far as setting up your space, I'd suggest that you don't need a big, heavy, extremely strong workbench as found in many woodworking shops. Chris' picture above gives you a good idea of what is needed. You'll want flat benchtops at a convenient working height on two or three sides of the space. Under these should be LOTS of storage. Some spaces for large (about 2'x2') flat plates- dishes for radiusing, body molds, etc. Another space with wide, flat drawers- for all the small tools and parts. And shelves and/or hanging spots on the walls above the benches for planes, chisels, mallets, clamps, etc. Plan for a dedicated sharpening space, doesn't need to be really large, probably 15-18" wide. Sharp tools are critical for accurate work. Search for "scary sharp" on Google or the archives to see what I believe is the simplest/best sharpening technique. Good Luck

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Tommy, check your Private Mail (there is a button at the top of the thread).

Sorry, i meant Private Messenger.

Darin