New model part 4! Body update......

[bordelloguitars]

I have been a little remiss with updates on the new model of late, but here's a little one to bring you up to date....
I've started work on the body, which, as you will know was going to be Cherry.  However, I have changed things a little.  My plan was to add a little detail to the body by sandwiching a piece of Padauk within the Cherry.  While in the process of doing this, I decided that the Padauk looked too good to cover.  So, the body is now a Cherry core with a Padauk top.  Enjoy the pics and tale of how I got there.....
Unfortunately, the process of laminating any two pieces of timber is not particularly exciting.  It involves a lot of hand planing, patience and glue.
I started on the Padauk which at this stage was going to be the filling in a Cherry sandwich.  One face is planed true......  here are a few pics of the process - check out the link for the full update 
http://bordello.guitars/news-article/Model-Update-part-4




and to see what on earth is going on here!



cheers!
Mark

[Mick]

Thanks for sharing again.  Looks like a long and precise process.  How long on average does it take you to build one of these guitars.  Or does it vary drastically?

Always wished I had these skills tbh, but I'm pretty sure I don't.  I would love to have a go though, wondering what would be the very basic tool setup needed to accomplish a guitar build.

[bordelloguitars]

Once I've done a model it takes about 30 to 40 hours. New models can take a lot longer as sometimes you run in to problems which may mean you have to start again. It can be an expensive process sometimes, particularly if you have a bit on a perfectionist attitude  .
In terms of tools it would depend on which stage you wanted to start. If you want to go from rough sawn timber then your going to need the machinery to do it. However, alot of places, particularly in the states are good at providing decent timber, but I would suggest you still need to some prep work on, so a decent hand plane would be a start. Tools for shaping such as rasps and spokeshaves, a drill, clamps and a router I would say are basic requirements. Then you get into more specialist stuff like fret and nut files which can be expensive. Melvyn Hiscock's book is a bit of a bible, not only for basic tools but a wealth of info. Its a bit all over the place when you read it, so its not the best text book, but entertaining and informative none the less. Probably doesn't answer your question but it is a bit like how long is a piece of string. I hate to think how much kit I have, but I love hand tools and will always find an excuse to purchase something. To give you an idea, if you haven't all ready, check out stewmac.com and lmii.com. Lots of goodies to be had

[Mick]

Thanks, some great info there.  If I ever get around to getting my workshop built, I think I'm going to have a go.  I'm pretty good at working with wood, but more skilled at working with metal. 

You must get a great feeling when you finish building one of those beauties.  They really do look fantastic.