Mickguard Posted January 21, 2005 Report Share Posted January 21, 2005 I just picked up a router on ebay...nothing special, but for the price it's a good start. If this turns into a long-lasting hobby, I'll upgrade later on. I'm trying to decide now on which tool to get next --there's a small planer/jointer on sale at the local hardware shop for 139 euros...for the type of mods I like to do (cutting up existing guitar bodies and regluing them) it'll be very useful, and for the project I'm starting on right now, it's looking pretty essential. I'm tempted by a bandsaw too---but I don't have the budget for something big/good right now...don't want to drop a packet if it turns out I'll only use it twice. So my question: can I get by (for now at least) with a combination of jigsaw -- planer/jointer --router? Which would you choose and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SawDust_Junkie Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 (edited) I think you can make do with about whatever you have access to idch. With a jigsaw you will just have to make cuts more out outside the final size you want and then use a router and template to fiish of your bodies. I suppose you can do the same with the neck blanks if you really want to. I used a bandsaw to cut my first neck and then a belt sander and hand sanding to get it to my desired final shape. I guess my point is, proper tools will absolutely make your work easier, but you can get by without them. If you are really, really want to, but yet don't have the resources to invest in an entire work shop of tools. I have started small with a used band saw here and a a used table saw there. Picked up a cheap plunge router at Harbor Freight. A drill bit here, some router bits there. The way I look at it, I'm not into it to make a living ( although that would be great wouldn't it ?), it's a hobby and I can only afford to invest so much in a hobby. I have even learned some tricks here that require alot of extra work, but they work. Like using a flat surface of plywood or table top with sheets of rough grit sandpaper double stick taped to it, to plane and surface body blanks. Where there's a will here a way. Edited January 22, 2005 by Fender4me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fryovanni Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 I think I get a lot of use out of my bandsaw. It really opened up my options for resawing wood, and making closer cleaner cuts. I would recommend at a min. 14". I don't think you will get as much function out of anything smaller. I must say I have also found my drill press (16" min. if ya can)to be very useful for many purposes. Both of these tools have made my work faster, cleaner, and much more enjoyable. The real kicker though. Is that my 1st choice for a tool (since I learned how to use it) is my hand planer. I have also really found a new appreciation for my scrapers. I use sand paper very little anymore, and that has really cut down on the dust and sloppy surfaces. I would value power tools (to me at least) in the following order. #1- Router #2- Band saw ( or a jig saw works, just a little limiting) #3- Drill press (doubles as a poor mans spindle sander) #4- Jointer #5- Drum sander #6- large belt sander If you know how to use a hand planer well. You may not get as much out of #4,#5,or #6. There are just so many tools, and I have a limited amount of space and cash. I just do this as a hobby too, so I guess ya just get what ya can and make do. Half the fun is getting creative with what you have available. Peace, Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickguard Posted January 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 I think you can make do with about whatever you have access to idch. ← Well, I started out wanting to do as much as possible by hand. I really enjoy the process and I feel that machines take a lot of that away. But I've realized quickly enough that I'm just not accurate enough--I might get there one day! I just sold a guitar (a Gibson, not mine!) and a bunch of parts, that's helping to fuel this power tool jones...it's just that I realize that a decent bandsaw will cost me a lot more than I'm willing to spend...and this jointer looks good... I like that plywood plank/door idea ---I'll give it a try. I'm going to be tempted to put up one of my own finished guitars on ebay, see what it brings...!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ripsrv Posted January 26, 2005 Report Share Posted January 26, 2005 im gunna start building a from scratch guitar pretty soon. im gunna trty useing the following tools dremel jigsaw some files some sand paper/blocks, etc. a belt sander if need glue/clams is there really anything else you need than that for the body? i know a few more would be neede for the neck but that is what im gunna try with anyways Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickguard Posted January 27, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2005 is there really anything else you need than that for the body? i know a few more would be neede for the neck but that is what im gunna try with anyways ← You know, this really depends on your level of patience and previous woodworking experience. I'd say, the more you have of both, the LESS you need power tools. Ultimately you get to the craftsman level, where you could whittle an excellent guitar with a pocket knife. I've been trying to work with the jigsaw, got a nice one with a laser light guide. Which helps. But the blade still drifts... So I picked up a jointer/planer because there's no way I have the patience or accuracy to work with a hand planer. That takes care of the sloppy jigsaw cut. I also bought a router --it's a cheapo though, I'm hoping it won't break on the first go... As for the bandsaw...well, I don't want to cheap out on one of those, so it'll have to wait until I decide whether I'll get serious about working with wood, or whether I'll give it up after I finish the couple of guitar projects I have lined up. Oh yeah, and I don't know if clams will do it. Try oysters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToneMonkey Posted January 27, 2005 Report Share Posted January 27, 2005 If you're cutting with a jigsaw, then I would suggest a small pillar drill and some drum sanders. My drill cost me £25 and the drums cost about £10. I found it so much easier to get the edges square as I'd been trying (and ballsing up) to do it by hand. They are also good for shaping the sides of Gibson style trapezoid inlays. Also, as far as getting a good bandsaw, I've got a very cheap, old desk top one. It's not really designed for cutting thick wood but if you pass through a blank slowly and carefully it's ok. It's far from ideal but it works and only cost £15. And finally.... .... How come you have to bolt portable thicknessers to the table? Portable, my arse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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