Almost ready to build my own guitar

[ocguy106]

Well title says it all. I am looking to build my own guitar. I figure if I can spend 3k on warmoth why not add a little to that and buy tools and make my own. I have been buying tools for the last month and am just about done. I am sure there are some specialty tools I will need so if anyone has suggestions pleas let me know. I think my first build will be a thinline tele as I think that would be the easiest. I think I am going to double bind it just so I can get a little more practice on my router table. so what I have so far.







I have hand sanders, routers, belt/disc sander clamps etc. Also I think (I know) for the first build I will be buying the neck.

Thoughts? crazy doable??

 

[ocguy106]

Well I don't know why this posted 3 times!!! Cagey are you able to delete the other duplicate threads I can't seem to do it.
Thanks
Ken

 

[Cagey]

No problem; I got rid of the other two posts.

I could see you doing this. But, a major tool I don't see is a drill press. Those things are invaluable. Get at least a 12" unit. Anything smaller and you won't be able to use it to put in string ferrules or bridge bushings. I also don't see a bandsaw. You might be able to get by without one, but jigsawing bodies is no fun. Also, get a set of aircraft bits if you don't have any. They're great for drilling access holes between pickups and/or control cavities, and the bridge ground wire pathway. Finally, don't forget to buy templates for the pickups/control cavity.

Definitely buy the neck. There's a lot to those little rascals, and Warmoth has already climbed the learning curve on them. Plus, there's a goodly pile of specialty tools for those, too.

If you're going to bind it, you might want to read the trials and tribulations I had building the L5S in my sig. I started off all wrong - hate to see you do the same thing.

 

[ocguy106]

forgot to list it but yes have a drill press and band saw so have that covered. I will check into the aircraft bits thanks

 

[pabloman]

Awesome man! Looks like you're about set. Have you looked into a joiner and a thickness sander? Those are pretty valuable tools. You need a good template supplier and a good source of lumber. Good luck and get at it.  ccasion14:



Does anyone remember the guy that built those guitars pretty much with just a router and a drill press? His name was Danuda. I haven't heard from him in a while.

 

[ocguy106]

thickness sander is on the list for sure. as for a jointer I will get one eventually. The router table I got is a incra with a wonder fence attachment. if you haven't see one in action check it out on youtube. You can use it as a jointer. You can only joint wood as thick as your router bit but for making a guitar I don't need anything more then a couple of inches

 

[stratamania]

Great idea. I'd love to do this but need more space to set it all up.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Can't go wrong with one of these either.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Oscillating-Spindle-Sander/G0739