Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm starting this thread so others can learn from our mistakes. Feel free to post your own "Note To Self " moments.
So I'll start this off with my latest DOH! moment;

Note to self - Dont try to cut a scarf joint with a fret saw. Looks like I'll be spending another $40.00 at Stew-Mac.

These are good for scarf cutting: http://www.amazon.com/Tajima-JPR-265-Fine-Cut-Elastomer-Non-Slip/dp/B0042BAH6K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1432797888&sr=8-3&keywords=tajima+saw+265

Note to self: Yes, putting tape on the fingerboard before leveling frets is a pain, but it's not as much of a pain as trying to get the fine metal dust out of the wood if you skip it.

So, what happened?
I've got so many notes to self in my
brain that there's no room for anything else!!!
A

@ alan stassforth,

Sorry for late reply. I got disgusted with myself and threw the project on the shelf.

I warped the fret saw.
I Tried to cut through a 3" x 3/4" neck of maple and bubinga. I generated too much heat for the flimsy saw blade and it's warped. It's junk.

I'm going to try DennisK's mention for my next one (thanks for that DK), and I have a new fret saw on order.
Maybe I should have titled this thread "Never Do This When Building Guitars".

Note to self: Make sure your templates are attached well before you pick up that router! Also make sure the bit is tight in the chuck.

A handy tool I got recently is a Japanese pull saw from Home Depot. Cuts surprisingly well and with the flexible blade it will go in places I won't trust a power tool to go. Even used it for finishing off the trim on my workshop recently.

I almost bought one of them. I read the kerf is just right for frets. You need to add a stiffener to use as a fret saw.

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wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

On my current build, I only used a bandsaw for the rough cuts.
I figured I'd do this one using only hand cutting tools.
I used my router for the truss rod slot. I watched in horror as the bit rose up through the back of the neck.
Note to self: throw that 30-year old router into the pond.

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wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

Those Japanese pull saws are great.
I have one in me work truck.
FWIW, I use a sharp backsaw.
About 3.5" tall, and 14" long.
I go real slow, and really watch the line!
A