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Building in Sections?
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Author:  DanN. [ Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Building in Sections?
So lately I've been wondering; is it perfectly fine to build a guitar in sections? By that I don't mean build the neck, then the body, I mean build one section (soundbox) then let it sit for a while before you start the next. I'm a bit low on money, and I'd like to build to the best quality I can, and splitting it up into sections will allow me to spend more per section for better wood, better tools, special tools etc. I'm planning on building the soundbox fairly soon, seeing as I have enough cash for supplies and I have all of the tools I'll need and then waiting a few months until March-Aprilish to start the neck. Then depending on how much money I have left over, either start the finishing process then or wait a bit longer. Would It be better to wait for a few months and then just build it in a fairly straight run? Any insight here would be appreciated, Thanks.

Also, if it's worth noting, it'll be a simple bolt-on neck joint. Would letting it sit for too long alter the neck angles slightly? I know how to keep a finished guitar well looked after, is it roughly the same for an incomplete guitar?
Author:  Jim Kirby [ Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
What you suggest is perfectly fine. The problem area is building and bracing tops and backs and not closing the box for a while - DAMHIKT. Just close the box, and everything is good. The neck has to be set relative to whatever the box is doing regardless of how old it is.
Author:  the Padma [ Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
Um, Dan...

Is like this...

Its your ax, your wood, your tools, and your time.

You build that sucker anyway you wish.

You wanna build it in sections...then Dan...may me most humbly suggest in me non Buddhist, passive / aggressive, self proclaimed sawdust maker and "unofficlial luthiers' voice, that you seriously consider "building that sucker in sections"

If you got any problems with that...take it up with the "Official" power's that be in your shop.

Now since we talking about building in sections....
once upon a time me hear tell of this here dude did an entire build out of match sticks.

blessings
the
Padma
Author:  John Hale [ Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
I'm a slow builder and the way I tackle things is to build the rims then joint and thickness the plates, I then make sure I have some extra free time to brace the plates and close the box in a short period of time to avoid the affects of humidity changes I was amazed building the same way for number 1 how the top radius altered with 5% humidity change before I glued the back on. Just my way of doing things as I don't have a humidity controlled workshop, and something to think on.
Author:  DanN. [ Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
You know what The Padma, you're totally right. Matter o' fact you could probably build a guitar anyway you want, even going so far to put a soundboard as a back, if you're so inclined. The only thing that really matters is if it works. If it don't and you can't fix it move on, if it does well more power to you. Just because everyone does it one way doesn't mean there isn't another. You truely are enlighting The Padma.

And thanks for the facts Jim, I'll just leave the neck out of the equation for the most part when I work on the Box.
Author:  the Padma [ Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
DanN. wrote:
... even going so far to put a soundboard as a back, if you're so inclined. The only thing that really matters is if it works.


Well yes I may be totally right but me vote left.

Yup Dan,

As long as it gets the pig clean and you happy.

Even Martin has been there (look at their 0-17 model, a mahogany back for a top.) Who wood have thunk it. So have a lot of other builders done "all spruce or all cedar builds" and papier mache and fiberglass and cardboard and, and, and me even thinking of doing a particle board, bondo, duc tape and coat hanger build just cuz. Or as that Italian da Vincie said "It's all been done before" although me wonder what he used for duc tape in his time.

Now regarding that enlightening thing....Who laughing6-hehe me? Ya right!
Try and con~vince me fan club here about that.


blessings
the
Padma
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
Well of course there are certain limitations ya know. You really should not leave the top setting around with out any bracing as it will turn into something similar to a Lay's potato chip. Same with the back, but less so since its typically harder wood. I have this gigantic guitar case (rectangular) that I hide thinned, yet unbraced tops under. Solar exposure will change the surface coloring, so keep closed and unfinished boxes in dark(er or ish) rooms. Seal all finished (or rough finished) pieces with dewaxed shelac. As for the necks, consider having one made for you if you are starting out. I struggled with this through my first and second build and finally decided I could get one built reasonably at Hanelai-Moon (big positive plug) for less money than it would cost me to learn, jig, and scrap several before I got it right.

Of all the processes I have learned so far, I would love to stand by an experienced builder and see a neck made (ok, there is YouTube!)

Mike
Author:  truckjohn [ Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
Most of us here need to build a bit here and there and let it sit a while... It is a hobby for most folks here on the board... which means that Building is subordinated to Work and Family Life.... And... As you mentioned... Money!

I would suggest finding some place indoors where you can squirrel away your bits and pieces of your semi-completed guitar.... Humidity control is a giant problem for us Hobby Guitar Builders... and most folks have AC/Heat/Humidification/Dehumidification to keep the inside of their house comfortable to them.... and it will also be comfortable to your guitar bits.

For example... that jointed up unbraced top and back can cup and twist like crazy in an outdoor shop... but mine stay nice and flat up in my hidey-closet....

There are some caveats to this....
Bracing the Top, back, and closing up the box is something that needs to be done within a reasonably short period of time -- as in a few days.... Keeping those parts indoors in climate control helps give you a longer window... but you would be well advised to have the top jointed and rosetted... The back jointed and backstrip inlaid... and the rims completed before gluing the top braces, voicing, and gluing it to the box.

Also... Take advantage of winter and the Low Humidity it brings to heated shops while it's here. Traditionally, European luthiers usually tried to do all the box building during the winter, then they used the hotter, more humid months for everything else...

Thanks

John
Author:  J Jones [ Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Building in Sections?
there is a good enough chance that you wont have closed the box up by march/april; depending on what you are building (if it's a kit with serviced plates then this is a different matter), i'm assuming this is your first?
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