Newbie First Build

[RichieH]

Hi all,

I'm planning on starting my first build in the next few weeks and have a pretty good idea on how I'm going to do it.

The only thing I haven't got fully sorted is, where to get the wood from.. I've seen many online shops, but unless you can get your hands on it, you never know what your getting. So I'm ideally looking for an Alder supplier, in or around the Midlands, UK.

Also I'm planning on doing a Strat esque, guitar and have read Martin Oakham's book, but I'm still really nervous about doing the contour on the back... many people recomend using a spoke shave which I'm not familiar with, does anyone have a good guide, or set of photos on this process, again seen many sites, but they're all here it is at the start and here's the finished product...(Of course planning on having a play on some rough cut first)

Many Thanks

[dpm99]

Welcome Richie!

For me, the spokeshave was one of the easier tools to work. The hard part is setting the blade just right. Once you get that down, it's not hard. If you've worked with a plane, a spokeshave is a snap. If you haven't worked with a plane, well...go get yourself a plane already!

-Dave

[Blackdog]

I'm still really nervous about doing the contour on the back... many people recomend using a spoke shave which I'm not familiar with, does anyone have a good guide, or set of photos on this process, again seen many sites, but they're all here it is at the start and here's the finished product...(Of course planning on having a play on some rough cut first)

Wellcome Richie !!

Are you talking about the belly carve ??

This one was done with just rasps and 60grit sandpaper on a cork block. Another pic.

Just draw your "limit" lines and file with the rasp held at the proper angle. Then smooth things out with the sandpaper.

[ihocky2]

Spokeshaves arevery easy to work with. First key is to have a very sharp blade. After that, just go to work, you'll get the feel of it very quickly.

[Crusader]

I made a Strat Copy and like Blackdog mentioned I used rasps and it was a breeze

Its all about using what you have and what you're familiar with. And another thing, I made mine out of Brazillian Mahogany - Just lovely to work with!

I have no experience with a spoke-shave because I don't have one but it may well prove to be a better tool than I

Good luck with your build!

[RichieH]

Hi all,

Thanks for the advise so far... the rasp does sound tempting, I can actually imagine how I'd get the drop with that...

The spoke shave surely just cuts straight rather that a dip... hence I was after a video or something.... The neck making video was top.. I just wish there was one for the body contour

[Ilikes2shred]

I actually just did a belly carve today.

For most carving, I'll either use a spokeshave or a surform (cheese-grater for wood). The spokeshave does take a little practice to use, but it's not too tough. The surform is ridiculously easy to use and takes down wood quite fast, but not normally as fast as the spokeshave.

Both tools have their spots where they shine. I mainly use the spokeshave for the neck carve, but I prefer the surform for the belly carve and carving the top. Plus, it's easy to find one (hardware stores).

Anyway, just my 2 cents, and good luck with your build!

EDIT: I've also heard that some people use angle grinders with heavy grit sandpaper for the belly carve. I've never done it myself, but it may be worth a try.

Edited May 4, 2009 by Ilikes2shred

[DC Ross]

I've also heard that some people use angle grinders with heavy grit sandpaper for the belly carve. I've never done it myself, but it may be worth a try.

36 grit flap sander on the 4-1/2" angle grinder makes quick work of the forearm and belly carves Just make sure you wear eye protection and a dust mask (at the very least -- I wear a respirator).

[WezV]

hey richie, where abouts in the midlands are you? if you are looking at choosing wood yourself then craft supplies will probably be your best choice out of the specialist guitar suppliers. i think they are in bakewell now, it used to be a farm between millers dale and buxton. i havnt been for a few years and they were having issues last time i went there.

for alder i usually give david dyke a call

http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/

[RichieH]

Hi Wez, I'm based in south Birmingham.

I read somewhere on this forum about Craft Supplies, but they only have mahogany in stock... they might be getting some English Ash in but no alder etc.

Luthier Supplies was my other choice, but I didn't want to buy off the internet without getting some views first..

After reading the comments, I'm thinking of using a rasp on the contour and a spoke shave on the neck, keep it coming though, it's taken my ideas in some new directions