In this episode of DIY Guitarmaking I mill down a board of katalox and explain how some simple planning and the use of the bookmatching technique for something other than tops and backs can really up your craftsmanship. Questions on this topic or anything else related to acoustic instrument construction? Please e-mail eric@ericschaeferguitars.com with the […]
Author: Eric Schaefer
Katalox for Fretboards and Bridges
In this episode I investigate an alternative tonewood for fretboards and bridges: Katalox. Then I show how I pull the fretboard, the bridge and the headplate from a single board. Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips on “The Small Shop Luthier Blog” Want to really learn more!? Take a […]
Much Ado about Superglue: Part 2
Glue Delivery Strategies Being careful and meticulous, almost surgical, with the way you deliver water thin CA to the workpiece is the key to a long and happy relationship with water thin superglue. If you aren’t careful you will create a mess that is very time consuming to clean up. First of all, Wax paper, teflon, […]
Much Ado about Superglue: Part 1
Superglue can be a luthier’s best friend or worst enemy. Technically called Cyanoacrylate glue, or CA, in most cases it cures with effectively no wait time. The thinnest viscosities have incredible wicking properties that allow the glue to penetrate a pre-assembled, clamped joint. However, CA can be a nightmare to work with if you are […]
Ken plays the guitar he built from scratch while reflecting on the week
To see more pictures of Ken’s experience, check out the Student Photo Gallery To learn more about the 8 day Acoustic Guitar Workshop in Bernville, check out the Hands on Guitar Building School Want more of this? Subscribe below for Weekly Guitar Making Tips on “The Small Shop Luthier Blog” Want to really learn […]
My 15 Best Practices for Productivity as an Independent Craftsman
Minimizing distractions and being productive is something everyone struggles with. Just because I’ve written this article, that doesn’t mean that I’ve mastered productivity. Far from it. It is a daily struggle. Anyone who is honest will likely tell you the same thing. My goal here isn’t to list off generic productivity tips for all entrepreneurs. […]
Hand Carving the Neck
It has been a little while since I posted a new video so for ep #39 here is a video on my process for hand carving necks with rasps and files. This is a free excerpt from The Online Guitar Building School, so check that out if you haven’t already, and sign up if you want to […]
Installing Binding and Purfling
This episode is another free video excerpt from The Online Course. I demonstrate the way that I like to install binding and purfling with binding tape and superglue (CA glue). Was this useful? I would love to hear your questions or comments! I try to answer every e-mail I receive, so please be patient with me eric@ericschaeferguitars.com […]
Making the Most out of the Robert O’Brien Mortise and Tenon Jig
Episode #37 is an excerpt from The Online Guitar Building School. This video is about a jig that I absolutely love! The Robert O’brien Mortise and Tenon Jig (AKA Neck Angle Jig). There are alot of things about using this jig, however, that trip a lot of people up. So with this episode, I’m going to […]
Roughing out the Bridge
Another free excerpt from The Online Guitar Building School. In this lesson, I make a rough bridge from a rosewood bridge blank. This includes routing the shape, tapering or contouring the wings, and drilling the bridge pin holes. Was this useful? I would love to hear your questions or comments! I try to answer every […]