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4" Draw Knife for Neck Shaping

Diefenbacher has this little drawknife, expensive, but almost identical to the one from my grandfather. One of my cousins inherited all my Los Angeles Grandfathers tools. He gave me this tool which I use to tremendous advantage on necks, especially working heels and neckshaft.



It's the one on the bottom of the photo, 860-1070, kinda expensive, $70. If my cousin hadn't given me this tool, I wouldn't have known how good it is for this job. Sometimes you just get lucky, eh?

For my next set of necks, I'm also looking forward to using my new Microplane Rasps. A flat and a round, made here in my hometown.

Bruce,

Thanks for the tip. I have read about other folks using these to shape necks with lots of success. Might be worth saving up for. Of course, after watching that Olson video on neck shaping, it kind of makes a person rethink the process.

Jeff

Hi Bruce & Jeff,

I haven't tried a drawknife before - looks kinda tough to control, but I've read of a few luthiers out there that really love them for necks.

I have tried and dearly love the microplane rasp blade. I got a flexible-flat blade - intended for use in a hacksaw frame. It's the best $9 I've ever spent. You just hold each end in your gloved hands and use it that way. I've carved two necks so far with this microplane rasp and a flat spokeshave (a drawknife for beginners?) as the primary tools. Next I'm gonna try the half circle flexible microplane blade for better control in getting into the heel.

Let us know how you like the microplane experience.

Skip

I hate to post something that may induce buyer's remorse, but (for
the benefit of those who may want to shop for one) I just got an
identical looking drawknife from Lee Valley, where they cost $40.
It's patterned after a knife that used to be made by Jennings, one of
the fine old American edge tool makers. Those come up on Ebay
from time to time.Howard Klepper38379.1108333333

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Howard, you are right, this is a very similar tool, and the leather cover is a, must have. I didn't buy one, rather was fortunate to have my cousin give me our Grandpa's drawknife.

Grandpa Adams carved a small piece of wood, hollowed out to receive the blade, then stored with a piece of tie wire around it. This leather cover on the Veritas drawknife is wonderful.

39.50 for the knife, 43.50 for it and the cover. Thanks Howard this makes it more affordable for anyone who wants to try it. I know that my ten inch off Ebay which is a quality knife, was just too big and cumbersome. The little four inch a delight....

Veritas 4 Inch Drawknife for Carving