Search found 235 matches

by nkforster
Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:53 pm
Forum: Jigs & Fixtures
Topic: twin side bender
Replies: 1
Views: 11513

twin side bender

Don't know if I've posted about this, but a while ago I realised I could bend a side in not much more time than I could put one in a machine, so I thought it a good idea to make a bender that could handle a pair of sides at once. I based the design on the Mike Doolin machine where the slats are unde...
by nkforster
Mon Nov 27, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Guitar Cases
Replies: 35
Views: 70467

Re: Guitar Cases

There really isn't any money in making cases which is why no one wants to do it. For a while I couldn't source cases for my Big Celtic mandolins, so had to buy heavy duty rifle cases. The inside foam was laser cut and my wife would cut and stitch fabric to cover the foam. They were pretty expensive....
by nkforster
Mon Oct 30, 2023 5:58 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Slotting boards
Replies: 6
Views: 12563

Re: Slotting boards

I swapped the washer for two smaller ones, but the idea is the same.

Here it is working:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CyziHrUSGvK/
by nkforster
Sat Sep 30, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Slotting boards
Replies: 6
Views: 12563

Re: Slotting boards

Hi, that's a nifty-looking setup, how is fret spacing arrived at? I suppose you could make kerfing on that too. Taff Same as most other slotting set ups. With a template and a pin. You could make kerfing but there are better ways. You'd need a wider blade than 0.6mm too. I like jigs that are more a...
by nkforster
Thu Sep 28, 2023 8:02 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Slotting boards
Replies: 6
Views: 12563

Slotting boards

I've not slotted a board for years. Ebony dust was really doing me in so about 10 years ago I shipped all by fretboards to a lad who slotted them and radiused the lot on his cnc for a very reasonable price. But I'm starting to get to the end of that batch. I've also been using LMI for their slotting...
by nkforster
Tue Jun 13, 2023 4:36 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Warning - Border Control have shifted the goal posts
Replies: 9
Views: 18395

Re: Warning - Border Control have shifted the goal posts

Weird, i send overseas through pack and send (who then use DHL in most cases). Never had to jump through any hoops. Last instrument was valued and insured at $9750 aud. I used to self insure, but swapped to trusting PnS' insurance. I didn't know PackSend insured up to that sort of amount, I'll take...
by nkforster
Sat Apr 29, 2023 10:26 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: semi hemispherical fretting
Replies: 6
Views: 18372

Re: semi hemispherical fretting

kiwigeo wrote:
Fri Apr 28, 2023 4:06 pm
Thanks Nigel.

Who was the guy a few years back who tried to claim semi hemispherical fretting as his own? I believe there were some legal threats made at the time.
No idea. I thought Harry Fleishman came up with it. Least he told me he did.
by nkforster
Fri Apr 28, 2023 2:35 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: semi hemispherical fretting
Replies: 6
Views: 18372

semi hemispherical fretting

Posted a video a couple of days ago talking about the ins and outs of semi hemispherical fretting.


youtu.be/fSLqg1elLF0

There are timestamps in the description so you can find the bits you need.
by nkforster
Mon Mar 27, 2023 11:52 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Marketing and money
Replies: 2
Views: 2653

Marketing and money

Lads, Robbie O'Brien and I had a chat the other day about my new ebook. The Video is up on YouTube:


youtu.be/TQ8wVMHIgxk
by nkforster
Tue Jan 17, 2023 8:12 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Heelless neck joint
Replies: 8
Views: 8517

Re: Heelless neck joint

My archtops have an unusual "long neck" design but there is no reason why you couldn't make this a normal length neck and attach it as I do - with 4 bolts and inserts. A round neck into a round mortise. https://www.nkforsterguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Charlie-maple-back.jpeg https://www.n...
by nkforster
Sat Nov 26, 2022 12:32 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: John Miner's quick neck reset
Replies: 6
Views: 6452

Re: John Miner's quick neck reset

Wouldn't adjustment of the bolt on heel cheeks also necessitate adjustment of the bolt down tenon to avoid a hump where neck meets body? For the record I'm not fully convinced from just watching the video....not convinced enough to try it myself. Seems to be quite a few people who have tried his me...
by nkforster
Thu Nov 24, 2022 8:16 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: John Miner's quick neck reset
Replies: 6
Views: 6452

Re: John Miner's quick neck reset

Seems to be quite a few people who have tried his method and had success. Not sure how you'd go with a well braced upper bout or a Gore style instrument with a substantial neck block and bolt down mortise. If it was a Gore style bolt on neck, you would take the neck off, adjust the heel cheeks and ...
by nkforster
Wed Sep 07, 2022 7:24 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Soundboard joining
Replies: 7
Views: 5331

Re: Soundboard joining

I think what Peter is worried about is how to get clamping pressure pushing in from the edges - to get the centre join together. If the outside edges are straight you can use some sort of straight edge to push against, but maybe he is wondering how to do that if the outer edges are already cut with...
by nkforster
Wed Aug 24, 2022 1:03 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Ziricote splitting
Replies: 7
Views: 7841

Re: Ziricote splitting

Ziricote splits. It's known in the trade as "Mexican crack wood." The best plan is not to use it. It cracks. If you do use it, you can do as I do and only use it in veneer form. I then cross laminate it for stability. But as a beginner, this might not be the best way. It just complicates things. htt...
by nkforster
Sun Aug 07, 2022 7:56 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Laser boffin required
Replies: 0
Views: 21935

Laser boffin required

Well, I am in a bit of a pickle. I bought a laser cutter from China, and it arrived the other day. Naturally, the instruction CD doesn't work, and the booklet that came seems to be for a similar but different machine. The company who sold me it are not as quick to respond as they were prior to getti...
by nkforster
Sat Aug 06, 2022 2:04 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: A couple of guitars with Aussie woods
Replies: 5
Views: 12535

Re: A couple of guitars with Aussie woods

WJ Guitars wrote:
Fri Aug 05, 2022 10:40 pm
Excellent looking Guitar with the Aussie timber. What are your comments regarding how it sounds.

Wayne
Still sounds like my guitars.
by nkforster
Fri Aug 05, 2022 3:26 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: A couple of guitars with Aussie woods
Replies: 5
Views: 12535

Re: A couple of guitars with Aussie woods

No idea how deep it is. Nothing unusual, it has to fit in a case after all.
by nkforster
Thu Aug 04, 2022 8:17 pm
Forum: The Gallery
Topic: A couple of guitars with Aussie woods
Replies: 5
Views: 12535

A couple of guitars with Aussie woods

Well, I've been here four years now, so you'd expect me to be starting to use a few Aussie woods. and I am. For my cheaper work I'm gradually phasing African mahogany out and Queensland maple in. For my fancier work, I'm currently building with some lovely Victorian blackwood, and pictured below is ...
by nkforster
Fri May 06, 2022 4:27 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bending Irons
Replies: 11
Views: 7669

Re: Bending Irons

I think the most innovative cutaway bending set up I've seen is this one:

https://youtu.be/HQMgt_kkMA0
by nkforster
Fri May 06, 2022 4:24 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bending Irons
Replies: 11
Views: 7669

Re: Bending Irons

The answer to bending difficult woods or tight bends is fabric softener.
by nkforster
Mon May 02, 2022 1:12 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Bending Irons
Replies: 11
Views: 7669

Re: Bending Irons

The best iron on the market (by far) is this one from the UK https://luthiers-bench.com/products/bending-iron?variant=39642213575 Much more reliable, safe and stable than any other. I've had mine for nearly 20 years without an issue. Personally, I think the Ibex iron is poor. the shape is unpractica...
by nkforster
Fri Apr 29, 2022 7:02 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: bridge marking
Replies: 6
Views: 5959

Re: bridge marking

Yep, you've worked it all out. I think it's much better not to talk in these videos, people learn much more if they're not being spoon fed. They have to watch. Yes, all my bridges are identical so I know where the saddle is in relation to the bridge front edge. That is the position I mark on the top...
by nkforster
Thu Apr 28, 2022 11:48 am
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: bridge marking
Replies: 6
Views: 5959

Re: bridge marking

kiwigeo wrote:
Thu Apr 28, 2022 9:51 am
nkforster wrote:
Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:26 pm
The plastic jig is from Luthier Supplies in Denver, Co. USA.
The business appears to be temporarily closed at present..
Website says it is open.

https://www.luthiersuppliers.com/
by nkforster
Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:26 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: bridge marking
Replies: 6
Views: 5959

bridge marking

Just posted a video on Instagram showing how I go about marking off the bridge.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcwEuuRDgFP/

The plastic jig is from Luthier Supplies in Denver, Co. USA.
by nkforster
Sat Apr 02, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Instrument Builders Forum
Topic: Spindle switch
Replies: 14
Views: 11079

Re: Spindle switch

Thanks for trying Jeremy. Very kind of you.