HuntinDoug

Yea... It's on the list. I need to re-vamp my control box by adding a PID & encoders. Just don't have the time...

I'm still missing where to actually upload

Hey Carl, I cant figure out how to get images into "My Media"....

You will likely end up covering the bed with an MDF spoil board anyway. You loose 3/4" of clearance to the gantry, but there are advantages are worth it. I machined slots in my MDF board that line up with the T-slots, so you can still access them. Once the board is mounted, I surface it with a fly cutter. This ensures that the surface of the board is exactly flat to the gantry. T-slot tables are rarely flat from the factory. You can machine locator pins in the spoil board for specific jobs, and screw workpieces directly into the MDF if needed. One big advantage is if you have a corrupt file, or if you programmed the Z on your toolpath wrong, it doesnt ruin your T-slot table. When the surface gets all boogered up after use, you simply re-surface it and you're good to go. Doing it this way gives you the rigidity of an aluminum table, and the machine ability of an MDF table. You'll be glad you have a water cooled spindle. They are much quieter. I have a PC892 router on mine. I have to wear headphones hooked up to my iPhone to keep from going deaf.

Very cool Perry! I especially like the the use of the terms: art & heirloom in the video description. That is the way I approach my projects. I often describe it as building "fine functional furniture". The mentoring program is very appealing to me. As a full time luthier with an artistic background, most of the time I am scratching to keep the bills paid... The proverbial "starving artist". For me, it's usually either feast or famine. The new shop was a must to take it to the next level, but added a new set of expenses. My Achilles heel has been justifying taking on "paying jobs" (kitchen remodels etc..) to make ends meet.

AutoCAD is very complex. I quit using it about 10 years ago. I use an old sign software called CASmate for most of my vector design. Sometimes I use ArtCAM to edit vectors. I only use Rhino for 3D modeling, but you can do vector editing in it.

CNC zone is the best place to lurk for "how to's". Although it's a very large forum, and can be overwhelming at first. Here's the best way to look at the different softwares: CAD software - Is the software used to draw the outline, and other details of whatever the project is. It is usually exported in a DXF, or EPS "vector" file. Rhino (3D modeling software) - Is the software used to turn the 2D vector artwork into a 3D model like a carve top, or a neck profile. ArtCAM (toolpath generation software) - Takes the 3D, or vector files, and generates a code that makes the selected tool follow the contour of the vector, or 3D model. Mach3 (control software) - Runs the machine. It takes the the G-code file that is generated in a CAM software, and actually tells the machine what to do. Some softwares, like ArtCAM will do everything but machine control. Overall, the learning curve is very steep. The best thing to do is start with vector files (DXF). Learn how to import and edit files...and go from there. Don't take on too much too fast. Read a lot, and ask questions.

The last time i ordered, i just called them : Phone: (951)279-7010 Ive used the 2081 white and the 20x50ts clear sanding sealers. They will grain fill sapele with one application, and sand easily. It is pretty nasty stuff. A good resp is required for spraying and sanding. The downside is the cost. But the end result is well worth it. I quit doing my own finishing a while back. I send everything out now. The guy I use is in Cinci. He paints all the BC Rich USA customs. He will only use Simtec sealer & clear.

This is the good stuff. I know several Pro builders that use it: http://www.simteccoatings.com/Productlist.ivnu

I have this spiral head jointer: http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-X-46-Jointer-w-Spiral-Cutterhead/G0452Z I will never go back to a 3 blade machine!

I knew I should have stayed awake in chemistry class

I have a current student that is building a UK themed guitar. She wanted white dots with blue paw prints, and a white block on the 12th fret with "wildcats" in dark blue. We decided to use white acrylic etched in the laser. Normally I use epoxy for flood filled areas, but this time I opted to use dyed thin CA glue for the blue areas. I mixed in LMI brand blue alcohol soluble powdered aniline dye, filled the areas, removed the bubbles, and waited. I'm not a big fan of spray accelerator. When the CA glue flashed over, I noticed it smoked & bubbled up as if I sprayed it with accelerator. My mad scientist side got the best of me, so I ran a few experiments with varying amounts of dye. I found that if you mix approx. 4 parts (volume) of thin CA with 1 part powdered aniline dye, you get approx. 90 seconds before it fully activates. When it activates, it's slower than when you use a spray. Also, the less dye you add, the more time you have.

Thanks guys.... The move has been exciting. But, I'm ready to settle into a new routine. I still cant seem to find anything. The open house was definitely the cleanest the shop will ever be. I've been putting in a lot of extra hours trying to make up for lost time... However it seems like running in quicksand. I have 7 builds currently on the docket, I have a roughneck for Chris, and Mike has tried to call at least twice (I promise I'll call you back when I can ). I come home tired & covered in sawdust every day, and I couldnt be happier.

Back in April/May the Mrs. & I decided it was time to move the business out of the house. With more people coming in our home it raised safety concerns, as well as appearing unprofessional at times. Nothing worse than having your dog bother a potential customer.... In late May we signed a lease on a 1600sq. ft. facility that is 2.1 miles from my home. I began shutting things down at the house in mid june. By the 1st of July I was framing walls at the new location. 10+ weeks later I am finally done... well, almost. I have some finish work yet to do. Two weeks ago I started another "Build your own guitar" class. This time I have 5 students building 4 guitars. I have a husband & wife team build, and a Father & son building identical RH & LH walnut guitars. I never could have comfortably had that many at one time at the house. Last Sat I had an Open House so people can check out the new facility. And, I've already had a PG Forum member visit. Todd came and hung out for a while one weekend. It's cool to meet people face to face! Instead of posting a bunch of pics of the open house in this post, Here is a link to my facebook page. Feel free to look around: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parable-Guitars/220875048056336

Looks like plywood. I'm surprised the finish turned out as good as it did.

2 coats of CA glue applied with a squeegee. If you have problems with your paper loading up, try using an open grid drywall type sandpaper.

I'm curious what something like this costs to build, assuming you are starting from scratch? I lost track at about $5K. That includes everything though... Doors, router, bits, specialty collets, vacuum pump, etc. All in all, the machine far outweighs most commercial models of the same size. It can handle running all day with no problem. Having built it definitely helps when doing repairs & maintenance. I have plans to use this machine to build most of the parts for a smaller machine that will be for inlay only. I'm curious if there is a reason you dont use a vacuum table? I've made several part specific vacuum tables out of off cut corian material from a local counter top shop. The one I use the most is for fingerboards. I can radius, taper, slot, & cut inlay pockets at the same time with no worry of clamps being in the way. I'm in the middle of tearing everything down for the move. Once I get everything moved, I'll try to post more pics & videos

I have a local guy I started using a while back. His name is Alexander Williamson. He is a luthier, but his shop is set of specifically for professional guitar finishing. His prices are very reasonable, and his quality is good enough that an un-named, well known northern KY custom shop uses him exclusively. They actually brought him in for a few months to train him on their procedures. Now they farm out all the finishing to him. I think he uses Simtech Poly. Here's his Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsonWorks

Well... for me, job satisfaction is very high on the list. Truth be told, it's at the top of the list. I love building guitars, and I love working for myself. I think for the artistic type it is much more important to do the thing you love to do even if it means living poor. It far outweighs working in a miserable job and having lots of money. I have witnessed some very talented people waste their talents on careers they despise... It's sad. Henry David Thoreau summed it up perfectly in a quote I have posted in my office: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with their song still in them.” I started a sign business in 1989 because I love art & design. I started building guitars as a hobby in 2006. Since then I have been focused on moving into full time luthiery. I made it a full time gig in Nov of 2011. I put every spare dollar I have into the business, but I don't mind. At times over the past 20+ years I have worked for "The Man" when times got tough. If there is one thing that makes a self employed person appreciate being self employed, its having to work for someone else. Since 1989 I have always operated a home based shop. Ironically, tomorrow (July 1st) I take occupancy of my first shop space outside of my home. The change scares me a bit, but I also see it as the necessary next step to get to the level I want to be on. I plan on doing sign & engraving work if thats what it takes to pay the bills.

The Padauk dust has finally made it to Chris' brain...

In my best "2001 a Space Odyssey HAL voice"... "Doug...I see you Doug" Mike is right... been burning the midnight oil lately. I don't mind taking on work like this. However, the old "no pain...no gain" cliche has definitely taken on new meaning. I know my presence on PG has been scarce lately. I'm in the process of moving my shop to an industrial space. At the same time I am expanding the business. Thankfully, my wife is helping with the office/clerical side of things. This fall I will be taking on an "intern" from the local high schools Occupational Work Experience program. He will work a set number of hours toward the material cost of his own build. I officially move in July 1st. When I get set up, I'll post pics of the new shop.

PM sent...

If that burl build is in your way. You just send it to me.

Sorry for the delay guys...Been moving the shop.

T3, T5 & T7 are spoken for